Econazole microbiology

Microbiology

Mechanism of Action

Econazole nitrate, an azole antifungal agent, inhibits fungal cytochrome P-450-mediated 14 alpha-lanosterol demethylase enzyme. This enzyme functions to convert lanosterol to ergosterol. The accumulation of 14 alpha-methyl sterols correlates with the subsequent loss of ergosterol in the fungal cell wall and may be responsible for the fungistatic activity of econazole. Mammalian cell demethylation is less sensitive to econazole inhibition.

Activity in vitro and in clinical infections

Econazole nitrate has been shown to be active against most strains of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections [seeIndications and Usage (1)].

Trichophyton rubrum Epidermophyton floccosum Trichophyton mentagrophytes