Sulconazole is a topical antifungal agent used for the treatment of tinea cruris, tinea corporis, and tinea versicolor caused by susceptible fungal strains. It is known by the brand name Exelderm available as a topical cream and solution. Sulconazole nitrate, the active ingredient, is an imidazole derivative that inhibits the growth of common pathogenic dermatophytes making it an effective treatment for tinea cruris and tinea corporis infections. The exact mechanism of action of sulconazole is unknown, however, it is assumed like other imidazoles that is blocks the enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase which inhibits the synthesis of 4,4'-dimethyl cholesta-8,14,24-triene-3-beta-ol . Lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase is the enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of 4,4'-dimethyl cholesta-8,14,24-triene-3-beta-ol from lanosterol. With this enzyme inhibited ergosterol synthesis cannot occur which causes a significant low concentration of ergosterol in the fungal cell. Ergosterol is essential in maintaining membrane integrity in fungi. Without ergosterol, the fungus cell cannot synthesize membranes thereby increasing fluidity and preventing growth of new cells. This leads to cell lysis which causes it to collapse and die.

Sulconazole Pathway References