butenafine

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

butenafine is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal skin infections such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, a key component of fungal cell membranes, which results in the disruption of the cell membrane and subsequent death of the fungus. 

butenafine has a broad spectrum of activity against dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds, including Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton, Candida, and Malassezia species. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Common 

Stinging 

Burning 

Less Common 

Irritation 

Itching  

Contact dermatitis 

Erythema 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications and cautions associated with butenafine include: 

• Allergies: Individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to butenafine or its components should not use this medication. 
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of butenafine during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, and it should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. 
• Children: The safety and efficacy of butenafine in children under 12 have not been established, and it should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider. 
• Skin conditions: butenafine should not be used on areas of skin that are broken, damaged, or infected with conditions other than a fungal infection, as it may exacerbate the underlying skin condition. 
• Interactions: butenafine has not been found to interact with other medications, but caution should be exercised when combined with other topical medications or skin products. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Category C 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

Excretion of the drug in the breastmilk is unknown; hence use with caution 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: No evidence of risk to the fetus is found in animal reproduction studies, and there are not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for a human product; Pregnant women must take care of the potential risks. 
• Category D: There is adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms. However, despite potential dangers may be used only in emergencies for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. The drug is not for pregnant women. 
• Category N: No data for the drug under this category is available. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

The pharmacology of butenafine involves its ability to inhibit the biosynthesis of ergosterol, which is a critical component of the fungal cell membrane. Ergosterol is synthesized from squalene through a series of enzymatic reactions inhibited by butenafine. This inhibition decreases ergosterol synthesis, which causes the fungal cell membrane to become structurally unstable and more permeable to ions and other molecules. As a result, the fungal cell loses its ability to regulate its internal environment, leading to cell death. 

butenafine is classified as an allylamine antifungal agent and is effective against various fungi, including dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds. It is particularly effective against Trichophyton and Epidermophyton species, common causes of fungal skin infections. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

The pharmacodynamics of butenafine involves its ability to inhibit the biosynthesis of ergosterol, which is a critical component of the fungal cell membrane. This inhibition disrupts the fungal cell membrane, leading to leakage of intracellular contents and subsequent cell death. 

butenafine has a broad spectrum of activity against dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds, including Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton, Candida, and Malassezia species. It is particularly effective against Trichophyton and Epidermophyton species, common causes of fungal skin infections. 

The antifungal activity of butenafine is concentration-dependent, with higher concentrations resulting in increased inhibition of ergosterol synthesis and more significant fungal cell death. butenafine has been shown to have a fungicidal effect against dermatophytes and a fungistatic effect against yeasts and molds. 

In addition to its antifungal activity, butenafine has been found to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which may contribute to its effectiveness in treating fungal skin infections. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

The drug is absorbed topically 

Distribution 

Peak plasma concentration is achieved in 8-15 hours 

Metabolism 

The drug is metabolized in the liver 

Elimination and Excretion 

The drug is excreted in urine 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

butenafine is available as a topical cream or solution and is applied to the affected skin area. The medication should be applied once or twice daily for several weeks, as directed by a healthcare provider. 

Before applying butenafine, the affected area should be thoroughly cleaned and dried. The cream or solution should be applied thinly and rubbed gently into the skin until absorbed. It is essential to avoid getting the medication into the eyes, nose, or mouth and to wash hands thoroughly after application. 

The duration of treatment with butenafine will vary depending on the type and severity of the fungal infection. Treatment should generally be continued for several weeks after symptoms have resolved to ensure complete fungus eradication and prevent a recurrence. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name:  butenafine 

Pronounced: byuh-ten-a-fine 

Why do we use butenafine? 

butenafine is used to treat various types of fungal infections of the skin, including athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and ringworm (tinea corporis). These infections are caused by dermatophyte fungi, which thrive in warm, moist environments and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or animal, contaminated surfaces, or shared personal items such as towels or clothing. 

butenafine inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol, a vital component of the fungal cell membrane. This results in the disruption of the fungal cell membrane and subsequent cell death. butenafine has a broad spectrum of activity against dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds and is particularly effective against Trichophyton and Epidermophyton species, which are common causes of fungal skin infections. 

butenafine is a topical medication applied directly to the affected skin area. It has a long duration of action and can remain active on the skin for up to two weeks, allowing for less frequent dosing than other antifungal medications. It is well-tolerated and has minimal systemic absorption, reducing systemic side effects risk.