Omoconazole (Omoconazolum)

The imidazole derivative exhibits an antifungal effect by blocking the biosynthesis of the ergosterol of the fungal cell membrane. "Target" for the action of the drug - enzyme 14-α-demethylase.

14-α-demethylase is part of a group of enzymes known collectively as "cytochrome P450". All enzymes of the cytochrome P450 group contain a hematinic iron-containing pigment. Omoconazole binds to the iron atom of the hematinic group and inactivates 14-α-demethylase, which leads to a disruption in the synthesis of ergosterol and the accumulation of lanosterol and other sterols. Their incorporation into the membrane instead of ergosterol significantly disrupts the structure and function of the fungal cell membrane.

The decrease in the synthesis of ergosterol, as well as the accumulation of 14α-methylsterols, destroys the densely packed acyl chains of the phospholipids of the fungal membranes. Destabilization of the fungal membrane leads to dysfunction of membrane enzymes, including those involved in the electron transport chain, and ultimately to cell death.

The drug shows fungistatic activity in relation to yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida, dermatophytes (Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, Microsporum), Pityrosporum ovale, Pityrosporum orbiculare and species Aspergillus. In experiments in vitro the bactericidal action of the drug against gram-positive bacteria was detected.