Pharmacotherapeutic (ATC) Classification: D01A C08
Ketoconazole is a synthetic imidazole-dioxalane derivative. It is a broad spectrum antifungal agent which inhibits the growth of common dermatophytes and yeasts by altering the permeability of the cell membrane:
Dermatophytes:
Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, T.tonsurans, Microsporum canis, M. audouini, M. gypseum
and
Epidermophyton floccosum.
Yeasts:
Candida albicans, C tropicalis, Pityrosporum ovale (Malassezia ovale)
and
Pityrosporum orbiculare (M. furfur).
Ketoconazole also has a direct anti-inflammatory action independent from its antifungal activity which may contribute to symptom relief in dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis.
