clotrimazole

Clotrimazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal medication in the imidazole class, primarily used to treat various fungal infections such as tinea corporis (ringworm), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea pedis (athlete's foot), cutaneous candidiasis, oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections, diaper rash, and tinea versicolor. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting the enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase in fungi, which impairs ergosterol synthesis—a critical component of the fungal cell membrane—leading to increased membrane permeability and inhibition of fungal growth. At higher concentrations, it may be fungicidal. Clotrimazole also exhibits additional pharmacological effects by inhibiting sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase and blocking certain calcium-dependent channels[1][2][3][5].

Brand names

LotriminLotrimin AFMycelexClotrim AntifungalCruex Prescription StrengthCanestenClotrimadermDesenexMyclo-DermNeo-Zol

Other names

clotrimazole