For the treatment of tinea capitis, which antifungal agent is preferred?

Griseofulvin is the preferred antifungal agent for the treatment of tinea capitis due to its specific activity against dermatophyte infections, particularly those affecting the scalp and hair. This agent works by inhibiting fungal cell division and is particularly effective in the treatment of tinea capitis because it accumulates in keratin-rich tissues, which helps to eradicate the fungi from the affected hair and skin.

In addition to its mechanism of action, griseofulvin is also well-studied for this indication and has a long history of safe and effective use in pediatric populations, making it a standard choice for this type of infection. The other options listed, while antifungal agents in their own right, do not specifically target the dermatophytes responsible for tinea capitis or lack the same level of historical data supporting their efficacy for this condition. For example, flucytosine is primarily used to treat serious fungal infections often in conjunction with other agents, fluconazole is more effective against systemic fungal infections, and micafungin is primarily used for invasive fungal infections, particularly those caused by candida and aspergillus species. These characteristics reinforce griseofulvin as the first-line treatment for tinea capitis