Topical Fenticonazole in Dermatology and Gynaecology : Current Role in Therapy

Fenticonazole is an imidazole derivative with a broad spectrum of antimycotic ctivity against dermatophytes and yeasts in in vitro and clinical studies. Fenticonazole exerts its unique antimycotic mechanism of action in the following three ways: (i) inhibition of the secretion of protease acid by Candida albicans; (ii) damage to the cytoplasmic membrane; and (iii) by blocking cytochrome oxidases and peroxidises. Fenticonazole has also been shown to exhibit antibacterial action, with a spectrum of activity that includes bacteria commonly associated with superinfected fungal skin and vaginal infections, and antiparasitic action against the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis. Therefore, fenticonazole may be an ideal topical alternative to multi-agent treatment of mixed infections involving mycotic, bacterial, dermatophyte and/or Trichomonas spp.