Econazole is a topical antifungal used to treat skin fungal infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. It is a foam known as the brand name Ecoza, applied to the infected area. It is related to fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, and clotrimazole. Econazole inhibits the enzyme Cytochrome P450 51 or Lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase of yeast cells on the infected area. It does this by binding the free nitrogen atom located on the azole ring to an iron atom of Lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase. This enzyme catalyzes the reaction of lanosterol with 3 oxygen and 3 NADPH to become 4,4-Dimethylcholesta-8,14,24-trienol with byproducts of formic acid, 4 hydrogen ions, 4 water, and 3 NADP+. This reaction is the first step in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway which is integral to cell membrane integrity. With this process inhibited by Fluconazole, the fungal cell cannot produce more fungi cells, and cannot keep the integrity of its own cell.

Econazole Pathway References