INFEXIN 100

Itraconazole is a synthetic triazole antifungal that exerts its fungistatic and fungicidal activity by selectively inhibiting the cytochrome P450-dependent enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase (CYP51) in fungal cell membranes. This enzyme catalyses the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol — the essential structural sterol of the fungal cell membrane. Without ergosterol, the fungal membrane loses its structural integrity, becoming abnormally permeable, functionally impaired, and unable to maintain the osmotic balance and transport functions essential for fungal viability.

Critically, itraconazole targets the fungal CYP51 with selectivity approximately 10,000-fold greater than the equivalent mammalian enzyme (which synthesises cholesterol), explaining its favourable therapeutic index in clinical use.

Itraconazole's pharmacokinetic profile is uniquely suited to its role as a broad-spectrum systemic antifungal. It is highly lipophilic, achieving tissue concentrations 2 to 20 times higher than plasma concentrations — with particularly high accumulation in sebaceous gland secretions, nail beds, skin, and vaginal mucosa. This tissue depot effect means that antifungal activity in nail and skin persists for weeks after the completion of oral therapy, enabling the "pulse dosing" regimens used for onychomycosis.

At 100mg per capsule (HPMC shell for improved bioavailability), INFEXIN 100 covers Dermatophytes (Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton), Candida species (including fluconazole-resistant C. krusei and C. glabrata), Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus species, Histoplasma, Blastomyces, and Sporothrix — a broader antifungal spectrum than fluconazole, which lacks Aspergillus and dermatophyte activity.

INFEXIN 100 is indicated for systemic and superficial fungal infections requiring oral triazole therapy, particularly where the broad spectrum of itraconazole (covering dermatophytes, Candida, and Aspergillus) offers clinical advantage over fluconazole.

Dermatological Fungal Infections (Primary Indication): Dermatophytosis (tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea pedis, tinea manuum), pityriasis versicolor, and tinea capitis. Itraconazole achieves high keratinocyte concentrations, making it highly effective for widespread or recalcitrant dermatophytosis.

Onychomycosis: Fungal nail infection caused by dermatophytes and Candida. Itraconazole pulse therapy (200mg twice daily for 7 days per month, for 2–3 months) is the guideline-recommended regimen, taking advantage of the nail bed depot effect.

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: Recurrent or fluconazole-resistant vaginal candidiasis — itraconazole covers C. glabrata and C. krusei where fluconazole fails.

Systemic Fungal Infections: Histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, sporotrichosis, and paracoccidioidomycosis in immunocompetent and mildly immunocompromised patients.

Aspergillosis: Mild-to-moderate pulmonary aspergillosis (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis) where oral therapy is appropriate — itraconazole is one of the few oral agents with reliable Aspergillus activity.

Oropharyngeal and Oesophageal Candidiasis: In patients intolerant of fluconazole or with fluconazole-resistant Candida.

Dosage and administration should be as prescribed by a qualified doctor or medical professional. Do not self-medicate. Always follow your physician's instructions regarding dose, frequency and duration of treatment.