Action of the ketoconazole-alkylaminoethylglycine combination on Candida albicans

High concentrations of ketoconazole (Ktc) exhibit poor antimicrobial activity in microbicidal test. Alkylaminoethylglycine (AAEG), an amphoteric surface-active agent, employed in subinhibitory concentrations, can enhance the action of ketoconazole. The Ktc-AAEG combination causes a higher rate of potassium ion release compared to both drugs separately. The increased ketoconazole activity may be ascribed to the membrane damage indicated by increased permeability to potassium ions.