The hydroxypyridones: a class of antimycotics of its own

The hydroxypyridones chemically form a class of antimycotics not related to others. For a long time ciclopirox olamine has been the only compound to be used clinically. Recently, ciclopirox as a free acid and rilopirox have also been considered. The congeners are active against a broad spectrum of medically relevant fungi including dermatophytes, yeasts and moulds in vitro. According to investigations based on animal and in vivo models for fungal disease, this also applies in vivo. Low toxicity in the experimental animal has made topical applications in man possible. Clinical experience relates, in particular, to dermatophytosis and vaginal candidosis, but rarer conditions have also been investigated. High tolerability corresponds to efficacy in major dermatomycological conditions. Today, interest mainly focuses on ciclopirox lacquer for onychomycosis. Here as in general, the relative role of hydroxypyridones will have to be finally established in comparative trials.