ketoconazole brands

Molecular formula: C26H28Cl2N4O4

Ketoconazole interacts with 14-α-sterol demethylase, a cytochrome P-450 enzyme necessary for the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol. This results in inhibition of ergosterol synthesis and increased fungal cellular permeability due to reduced amounts of ergosterol present in the fungal cell membrane. This metabolic inhibition also results in accumulation of 14α-methyl-3,6-diol, a toxic metabolite. The increase in membrane fluidity is also thought to produce impairment of membrane-bound enzyme systems as components become less closely packed. Ketoconazole blocks the synthesis of ergosterol, a key component of the fungal cell membrane, through the inhibition of cytochrome P-450 dependent enzyme lanosterol 14alpha-demethylase responsible for the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane. This results in an accumulation of methylated sterol precursors and a depletion of ergosterol within the cell membrane thus weakening the structure and function of the fungal cell membrane. Like other azole antifungal agents, ketoconazole presumably exerts its antifungal activity by altering cellular membranes, resulting in increased membrane permeability, secondary metabolic effects, and growth inhibition. Although the exact mechanism of action of ketoconazole has not been fully determined, it has been suggested that the fungistatic activity of the drug may result from interference with ergosterol synthesis, probably via inhibition of C-14 demethylation of sterol intermediates (e.g., lanosterol). The fungicidal activity of ketoconazole at high concentrations may result from a direct physiochemical effect of the drug on the fungal cell membrane.

Source: PubChem (NCBI) · compound 47576