Miconazole: a historical perspective

Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2006 Apr;4(2):171-5. doi: 10.1586/14787210.4.2.171.

Abstract

Miconazole is an imidazole that has been successfully used for over 30 years for the treatment of superficial and cutaneous disease. This agent is distinguished from other azoles by possessing two mechanisms of action. The first mechanism is shared with other azoles and involves the inhibition of ergosterol synthesis. Another mechanism involves inhibition of peroxidases, which results in the accumulation of peroxide within the cell resulting in cell death. Susceptibility patterns for miconazole demonstrate that yeast fungi remain largely susceptible even in light of repeated exposures. Despite the release of newer azoles and other classes of antifungals, miconazole remains a highly prescribed treatment for vaginal candidiasis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antifungal Agents / chemistry
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Miconazole / chemistry
  • Miconazole / pharmacology
  • Miconazole / therapeutic use*
  • Mycoses / drug therapy
  • Nonprescription Drugs / chemistry
  • Nonprescription Drugs / pharmacology
  • Nonprescription Drugs / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Nonprescription Drugs
  • Miconazole