Miscellaneous Topical Antifungal Agents

MISCELLANEOUS TOPICAL ANTIFUNGAL AGENTS

Ciclopirox olamine (Loprox) is a pyridone derivative available for the treatment of cutaneous dermatophyte infections, cutaneous C. albicans infections, and tinea versicolor caused by Malassezia furfur. It interferes with fungal growth by inhibiting macromolecule synthesis.

Tolnaftate (Tinactin, others) is a nonprescription an-tifungal agent effective in the topical treatment of der-matophyte infections and tinea. The mechanism of ac-tion is unknown.

Other older, less effective topical antifungal agents still available include undecylenic acid (Desenex, oth-ers). Used in the treatment of topical dermatophytes, undecylenic acid is fungistatic, requires prolonged ad-ministration, and is associated with a high relapse rate. Desenex, containing 5% undecylenic acid and 20% zinc undecylenate, is effective in the prevention of recurrent tinea pedis.