Econazole

Absorption

After topical application to the skin of normal subjects, systemic absorption of econazole nitrate is extremely low. Although most of the applied drug remains on the skin surface, drug concentrations were found in the stratum corneum which, by far, exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentration for dermatophytes.

Toxicity

Overdosage of econazole in humans has not been reported to date. In mice, rats guinea pigs and dogs, the oral LD 50 values were found to be 462, 668, 272, and > 160 mg/kg, respectively.

Chemical properties

White or almost white powder

Originator

Pevaryl,Cilag Chemie,France,1976

The Uses of Econazole

antineoplastic, anti-estrogen.
Econazole (Spectazole) is a synthetic imidazole. Econazole blocks C-14 demethylation of sterols, interfering with the biosynthesis of ergosterol, which results in disorganization of the fungal plasma cell membrane and increased permeability. It is active against dermatophytes, yeast, P. orbiculare, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Sporothrix.

The Uses of Econazole

Econazole (cas# 27220-47-9) is a compound useful in organic synthesis.

Background

A broad spectrum antimycotic with some action against Gram positive bacteria. It is used topically in dermatomycoses also orally and parenterally.

Indications

For topical application in the treatment of tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and tinea corporis caused by Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton tonsurans, Microsporum canis, Microsporum audouini, Microsporum gypseum, and Epidermophyton floccosum, in the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis, and in the treatment of tinea versicolor.

Indications

Econazole (Spectazole) is a synthetic imidazole. Econazole blocks C-14 demethylation of sterols, interfering with the biosynthesis of ergosterol, which results in disorganization of the fungal plasma cell membrane and increased permeability. It is active against dermatophytes, yeast, P. orbiculare, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Sporothrix.

Definition

ChEBI: 1-{2-(4-chlorobenzyloxy)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl}imidazole is a member of the class of imidazoles that is 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(imidazol-1-yl)ethanol in which the hydroxyl hydrogen is replaced by a 4-chlorobenzyl group. It is an ether, a member of imidazoles, a dichlorobenzene and a member of monochlorobenzenes.

Indications

Topical treatment of mycoses of the skin induced or sustained by fungi such as dermatophytes and yeasts. In addition, econazole is indicated for therapy of vulvovaginal mycoses caused by Candida species and Candida (Torulopsis) glabrata.

Manufacturing Process

A suspension of 10.3 parts of α-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-imidazole-1-ethanol and 2.1 parts of sodium hydride in 50 parts of dry tetrahydrofuran is stirred andrefluxed for 2 hours. After this reaction-time, the evolution of hydrogen is ceased. Then there are added successively 60 parts dimethylformamide and 8 parts of p-chlorobenzylchloride and stirring and refluxing is continued for another two hours. The tetrahydrofuran is removed at atmospheric pressure. The dimethylformamide solution is poured onto water. The product, 1-[2,4- dichloro-β-(p-chlorobenzyloxy)phenethyl]imidazole, is extracted with benzene. The extract is washed with water, dried, filtered and evaporated in vacuo. From the residual oily free base, the nitrate salt is prepared in the usual manner in 2-propanol by treatment with concentrated nitric acid, yielding, after recrystallization of the crude solid salt from a mixture of 2-propanol, methanol and diisopropylether, 1-[2,4-dichloro-β-(pchlorobenzyloxy)phenethyl]imidazole nitrate; MP 162°C.

brand name

Spectazole (Johnson & Johnson).

Therapeutic Function

Antifungal

Antimicrobial activity

Broad-spectrum imidazole antimycotic with activity against almost all species of pathogenic fungi.

Pharmacokinetics

Econazole is an antifungal medication related to fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex). Econazole prevents fungal organisms from producing vital substances required for growth and function. This medication is effective only for infections caused by fungal organisms. It will not work for bacterial or viral infections.

Side Effects

Local irritations such as itching and burning sensations and allergic reactions may occur in rare cases after topical therapy and are mainly due to the galenic formulation.

Synthesis

Econazole, 1-[2,4-dichloro-β-[(4-chlorobenzyl)oxy]phenethyl]-imidazole (35.2.8), is an analog of myconazole. It differs in the presence of a single chlorine atom in the benzyl part of the molecule, and it is synthesized in the same manner, except that it uses 4-chlorobenzylchloride in the last stage instead of 2,4-dichlorobenzylbromide.

Metabolism

Hepatic.

Solubility in organics

Econazole is soluble in methanol, acetic acid, and PEG 400; less soluble in ethanol, acetone, chloroform, and butanol; and barely soluble in water, ether, cyclohexane, and hexane.