Daktarin Cream Mechanism of Action

Pharmacotherapeutic Group: Antifungals for dermatological/topical use; imidazole derivative. ATC Code: D01A C02.
Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Mechanism of action: Miconazole inhibits the biosynthesis of ergosterol in fungi and changes the composition of other lipid components in the membrane, resulting in fungal cell necrosis.
Pharmacodynamic effects: Usually, miconazole acts very rapidly on pruritus, which frequently accompanies dermatophyte and yeast infections. This symptomatic improvement is seen before the first signs of healing are observed.
Miconazole has also been proven to be effective in secondarily infected mycoses.
Pharmacokinetics: Absorption: Miconazole remains in the skin after topical application for up to 4 days. Systemic absorption of miconazole is limited, with a bioavailability of less than 1% following topical application of miconazole. Plasma concentrations of miconazole and/or its metabolites were measurable 24 and 48 hours after application.
Systemic absorption has also been demonstrated after repeated application of miconazole to infants with diaper dermatitis. Plasma levels of miconazole were undetectable or low in all infants.
Distribution: Absorbed miconazole is bound to plasma proteins (88.2%) and red blood cells (10.6%).
Metabolism and Excretion: The small amount of miconazole that is absorbed is eliminated predominantly in feces as both unchanged drug and metabolites over a four-day post-administration period. Smaller amounts of unchanged drug and metabolites also appear in urine.
Toxicology: Non-Clinical Information: Preclinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of local irritation, single and repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity, and toxicity to reproduction.
Microbiology: Miconazole combines an antifungal activity against the common dermatophytes, yeasts and various other fungi with an antibacterial activity against certain gram-positive bacilli and cocci.