Ciclopirox (Penlac) is a synthetic antifungal agent. Ciclopirox (Penlac) is used for topical dermatologic treatment of superficial mycoses. Ciclopirox (Penlac) is most useful against Tinea versicolor. [1] In a study conducted to further elucidate ciclopir
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ChEBI: A cyclic hydroxamic acid that is 1-hydroxypyridin-2(1H)-one in which the hydrogens at positions 4 and 6 are substituted by methyl and cyclohexyl groups, repectively. A broad spectrum antigfungal agent, it also exhibits antibacterial acti
ity against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is used a a topical treatment of fungal skin and nail infections.
Mechanism of action
Ciclopirox has a unique mechanism of action through chelation of polyvalent cations, such as Fe3+, which causes inhibition of a number of metal-dependent enzymes within the fungal cell.
Mechanism of action
Ciclopirox is a substituted pyridione derivative. Experiments show that the mechanism of action involves a disruption of transport mechanisms into the cell plasma, especially the uptake of leucine. Further, the uptake of other amino acids such as phenylalanine and lysine, as well as the uptake of potassium and phosphate ions is impaired. This all probably involves a change in membrane permeability, as reported for some other antimycotics, although ciclopirox does not show lytic activity. Consecutively, the substance significantly reduces fungal growth rates.
Clinical Use
Ciclopirox is a hydroxylated pyridinone that is employed for superficial dermatophytic infections, principally onychomycosis.
