[Econazole nitrate. In vitro tests and clinical trial]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Econazole nitrate is identified as a potent antifungal agent.
• It exhibits a broad spectrum of activity against dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.
• The drug also shows efficacy against gram-positive bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the in-vitro antifungal and antimicrobial properties of econazole nitrate.
• To assess the clinical efficacy of a 1% econazole cream in treating superficial fungal infections and erythrasma.

Main Methods:

• In-vitro testing of econazole nitrate for antifungal and antimicrobial activity.
• An open trial involving 75 patients treated with 1% econazole cream for various dermatophytoses.
• Treatment of 22 patients with erythrasma using econazole cream.

Main Results:

• High cure rates were observed for tinea pedis (91%), tinea genitocruralis (100%), and tinea corporis (92%).
• Remaining patients with dermatophytoses showed significant improvement.
• Complete cure was achieved in 22 patients with erythrasma within 3 weeks.

Conclusions:

• Econazole nitrate demonstrates significant in-vitro and in-vivo antifungal and antimicrobial activity.
• A 1% econazole cream is a highly effective treatment for common superficial fungal infections and erythrasma.
• The drug offers a potent and broad-spectrum therapeutic option for various skin infections.