Description
Ketoconazole Tablets IP are oral antifungal medications used to treat a range of systemic and severe fungal infections caused by susceptible strains of fungi and yeasts. Ketoconazole is an imidazole antifungal agent that interferes with the synthesis of ergosterol, a key component of fungal cell membranes, thereby inhibiting fungal growth and replication.
Oral ketoconazole is typically reserved for serious or refractory fungal infections where topical treatment is not feasible or has failed. It may be used for conditions such as chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, systemic candidiasis, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, dermatophytosis, and seborrheic dermatitis, when alternative antifungals are unsuitable.
Due to the risk of hepatotoxicity, ketoconazole is used only when the potential benefits outweigh the risks, and liver function must be monitored regularly during therapy.
Mechanism of Action:
Ketoconazole inhibits cytochrome P450-dependent 14α-demethylase, an enzyme crucial for the synthesis of ergosterol in fungal cell membranes. This disruption compromises membrane integrity and leads to fungal cell death.
Indications:
- Systemic fungal infections (e.g., histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis)
- Severe or refractory cutaneous fungal infections
- Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis
- Seborrheic dermatitis (when oral therapy is justified)
- Tinea infections not responding to topical therapy
