Research Area: Infection
Biological Activity:
Ciclopirox (Penlac) is a synthetic antifungal agent. Ciclopirox (Penlac) is used for topical dermatologic treatment of superficial mycoses. Ciclopirox (Penlac) is most useful against Tinea versicolor. [1] In a study conducted to further elucidate ciclopirox’s mechanism, several Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants were screened and tested. Results from interpretation of the effects of both the drug treatment and mutation suggested that ciclopirox (Penlac) may exert its effect by disrupting DNA repair, cell division signals and structures (mitotic spindles) as well as some elements of intracellular transport. [2] Ciclopirox (Penlac)) acts by inhibiting the membrane transfer system by interrupting the Na+ K+ ATPase. Ciclopirox (Penlac) is currently being investigated as an alternative treatment to ketoconazole for seborrhoeic dermatitis as it suppresses growth of the yeast Malassezia furfur. [3]