CANESPOR
BIFONAZOLE
What it does
Bifonazole is an antifungal medicine used to treat fungal infections on the skin.
Commonly used for: fungal skin infections, athlete's foot (tinea pedis), ringworm (tinea corporis), thrush (candidiasis)
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe · fetched 2026-04-18 08:22:05 · updated 2026-09-16 04:30:04
About this medicine
Bifonazole is an antifungal medicine used to treat fungal infections on the skin.
What it treats
- fungal skin infections
- athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
- ringworm (tinea corporis)
- thrush (candidiasis)
How it works
It works by stopping the growth of fungi that cause infections.
Who it's for
It is suitable for adults and children with fungal skin infections.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: bifonazole
BNF-referencedBifonazole is an imidazole antifungal agent used primarily for the treatment of superficial fungal infections. It exerts its action by disrupting the integrity of fungal cell membranes, leading to cell death. This medication is effective against a variety of dermatophytes and yeasts, and is commonly utilized in topical formulations for conditions such as athlete's foot, ringworm, and candidiasis.
Indications
- Tinea pedis (athlete's foot)
- Tinea corporis (ringworm)
- Tinea cruris (jock itch)
- Candidiasis
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate dosing information.
Adults: Apply a thin layer of bifonazole cream or solution to the affected area once daily, usually at bedtime, for a duration of 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the severity of the infection.
Mechanism of action
Bifonazole works by inhibiting the production of ergosterol, a critical component of fungal cell membranes. It disrupts the function of the cytochrome P450 51 enzyme (Lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase), which is essential for ergosterol biosynthesis. This inhibition leads to the formation of pores in the fungal cell membrane, resulting in cell lysis and ultimately the death of the fungal cells.
Pharmacodynamics
As an imidazole antifungal, bifonazole demonstrates fungicidal properties by impairing the structural integrity of fungal cell membranes. It interferes with cell membrane stability, which is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis in fungi and yeasts.
Pharmacokinetics
Bifonazole is primarily administered topically, and its absorption through the skin is relatively low, minimizing systemic exposure. The pharmacokinetics concerning distribution, metabolism, and elimination are not extensively documented, but its local action at the site of application is significant for its therapeutic effect.
Pregnancy
Bifonazole should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether bifonazole is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to breastfeeding women.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Cream
- Powder
- Solution
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: bifonazole
PubChem CID 2378Molecular formula: C22H18N2
Mechanism of action
Bifonazole works by inhibiting the production of a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes.It acts to destabilize the fungal cyctochrome p450 51 enzyme (also known as Lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase). This is vital in the cell membrance structure of the fungus. Its inhibition leads to cell lysis. The disruption in production of ergosterol disrupts the cell membrane and causes holes to appear. The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As bifonazole causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi.
Pharmacodynamics
Bifonazole is a type of antifungal medicine known as an imidazole. It kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.