propamidine isetionate

Propamidine isetionate is a small molecule aromatic diamidine antimicrobial agent, specifically the salt of propamidine with isethionic acid. It is primarily formulated as a 0.1% ophthalmic solution for the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare and sight-threatening corneal infection. The drug exerts its antimicrobial effect through cationic surface-active properties that induce structural changes in microbial cell membranes, leading to altered permeability and cell death. It is effective against Acanthamoeba (both trophozoite and cyst forms), fungi, and certain Gram-positive bacteria. While it has been used off-label for decades, SIFI SpA is currently evaluating it in Phase 3 clinical trials in combination with polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) to establish standardized efficacy and safety for this orphan indication.

Brand names

Brolene

Other names

propamidine isetionatepropamidine isethionatepropamidine