Ertaczo (sertaconazole nitrate)

Sertaconazole nitrate, a synthetic azole antifungal agent, is an imidazole derivative.

Sertaconazole nitrate, a synthetic azole antifungal agent, is an imidazole derivative. The drug usually is fungistatic in action, but may have fungicidal activity at high concentrations. Like other imidazole derivatives, sertaconazole presumably exerts its antifungal activity by altering cellular membranes, resulting in increased membrane permeability, secondary metabolic effects, and growth inhibition.

Although the exact mechanism of action of sertaconazole has not been fully determined, it has been suggested that the fungistatic activity of the drug may result from interference with ergosterol synthesis probably via inhibition of C-14 demethylation of sterol intermediates (e.g., lanosterol). Like some other imidazole derivatives (e.g., miconazole, ketoconazole), the fungicidal activity of sertaconazole at high concentrations may result from a direct physiochemical effect of the drug on the fungal cell membrane.

Sertaconazole nitrate is active against many fungi, including dermatophytes and yeasts. The drug also has in vitro activity against some gram-positive bacteria, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Gardnerella vaginalis.

Sertaconazole is active in vitro against most pathogenic dermatophytes, including Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum audouini, M. canis, M. gypseum, M. racemosum, Trichophyton erinacei, T. interdigitale, T. mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, T. schoenleinii, T. soudanese, T. terreste, T. tonsurans, T. verrucosum, and T. violaceum, and also is active in vitro against Malassezia furfur (Pityrosporum orbiculare or P. ovale).

Sertaconazole is active in vitro against Candida, including C. albicans, C. beigelii, C. dubliniensis, C. famata, C. glabrata (formerly Torulopsis glabrata), C. guilliermondii, C. holmii, C. humicola, C. inconspicua, C. intermedia, C. krusei, C. lambica, C. lipolytica, C. lusitaniae, C. parapsilosis, C. pulcherrima, C. pseudotropicalis, C. rugosa, and C. tropicalis. In addition, the drug is active in vitro against Cryptococcus neoformans, Rhodotorula rubra, and Saccharomyces.

Sertaconazole also is active in vitro against some other fungi including Acremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis.

While the clinical importance is unclear, clinical isolates of T. mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, and M. canis with in vitro resistance to sertaconazole have been reported; some of these isolates also were resistant to some other imidazole antifungals (e.g., clotrimazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, tioconazole). A vaginal isolate of C. albicans serotype B with in vitro resistance to sertaconazole and other imidazoles (e.g., econazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole miconazole) has been reported.

USES: This medication is used to treat athlete's foot. It is an azole antifungal that works by preventing the growth of fungus.

Generic name: sertaconazole nitrate
Pronunciation: (ser-ta-CAW-nah-zole)

The following indications are listed for Ertaczo:

• Tinea Pedis

Also known as: Dermatomycosis Pedis, Tinea Of The Foot.

No ICD codes are available for this drug.