Clotrimazole

Clotrimazole is an antifungal substance used for the treatment of fungal infections in animals. Clotrimazole is used topically or systemically to treat fungal infections such as ringworm, yeast infections, and other dermatophyte infections in various animal species. Read more

Clotrimazole is an antifungal substance used for the treatment of fungal infections in animals. Clotrimazole is used topically or systemically to treat fungal infections such as ringworm, yeast infections, and other dermatophyte infections in various animal species.

Essential insights

• Inhibition of ergosterol synthesis: Clotrimazole primarily works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes. It targets the enzyme lanosterol 14α-demethylase, which is crucial for converting lanosterol into ergosterol.
• Disruption of cell membrane: By inhibiting ergosterol synthesis, clotrimazole disrupts the integrity and fluidity of the fungal cell membrane. This disruption impairs the cell's ability to function properly, leading to leakage of intracellular contents and eventual cell death.
• Selective Toxicity: Clotrimazole selectively targets fungal cells due to their dependence on ergosterol, while having minimal effects on mammalian cells, which use cholesterol instead of ergosterol in their cell membranes. This selectivity reduces potential side effects in the host animal.