piroctone

Piroctone is a cyclic hydroxamic acid derivative with antifungal and antiseborrheic properties. Its most common pharmaceutical form is as the ethanolamine salt known as piroctone olamine (also called Octopirox), which is widely used in topical formulations such as creams and shampoos for the treatment of fungal infections and dandruff[1][4][6]. Piroctone olamine acts by penetrating fungal cell membranes and interfering with energy metabolism—specifically by forming complexes with iron ions (Fe2+ and Fe3+) that inhibit mitochondrial function in pathogenic fungi[6][8]. This leads to reduced microbial colonization on the skin or scalp. It also inhibits ergosterol synthesis via its substituted pyridinone group[4][6]. Piroctone olamine has demonstrated broad activity against dermatophytes, yeasts (including Malassezia spp. and Candida spp.), some Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus), and some Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Pseudomonas)[6][8]. It was first synthesized in 1979 by Schwarzkopf-Henkel in Germany[1].

Brand names

OctopiroxClimdanNoskurfBetapirox

Other names

piroctone olaminepiroctone ethanolamine