undecylenic acid

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

undecylenic acid is a fatty acid that has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is commonly used to treat skin infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch. 

The spectrum of activity of undecylenic acid is broad, and it is effective against various fungi and bacteria. It is particularly effective against dermatophytes, the fungi that cause ringworm and athlete’s foot. 

undecylenic acid disrupts the cell membrane of fungi and bacteria, leading to their death. It is also believed to inhibit the growth and spread of these organisms. 

undecylenic acid is available in various forms, including creams, powders, and solutions. It is generally considered safe for topical use, although some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not Defined 

Skin sensitivity 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

There are some contraindications and cautions that should be considered: 

• Allergy or sensitivity: Individuals allergic or sensitive to undecylenic acid should avoid using it. 
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of undecylenic acid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Avoid using it during these times unless recommended by a healthcare professional. 
• Children: The safety of undecylenic acid use in children has yet to be well established, and it should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. 
• Open wounds or broken skin: undecylenic acid should not be applied to open wounds or broken skin, as it may cause irritation or stinging. 
• Interactions with other medications: There is limited information on the potential interactions between undecylenic acid and other medications. Therefore, informing a healthcare professional of all medications, supplements, and herbs being taken before using undecylenic acid is essential. 
• Oral supplementation: Oral supplementation with undecylenic acid should be done with caution and only under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as there is limited research on its safety and efficacy when taken orally. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Category C 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

Secretion of undecylenic acid in breast milk is unknown  

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 shows the risk to the fetus 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 product in humans; Pregnant women must take care of the potential risks. 
• Category D: There is adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms. However, despite potential dangers may be used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh risks over benefits. The drug is not for pregnant women. 
• Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

undecylenic acid is a natural fatty acid in the human body and some plants. It has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties and is used in various applications, including manufacturing cosmetics, soaps, and pharmaceuticals. 

undecylenic acid is often used as an antifungal agent to treat fungal infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch. It works by inhibiting the growth and replication of fungi by disrupting their cell membranes. It can be applied topically as a cream, lotion, or powder. 

In addition to its antifungal properties, undecylenic acid has been studied for its potential in treating acne. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria that contribute to acne formation. 

undecylenic acid has also been investigated for its antiviral properties, particularly in treating herpes simplex virus infections. Some studies have suggested that it may effectively reduce the duration and severity of herpes outbreaks. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

The pharmacodynamics of undecylenic acid involves its interaction with biological systems and mechanisms of action in the body. undecylenic acid has several pharmacodynamic properties, including antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. 

As an antifungal agent, undecylenic acid disrupts the fungi’s cell membranes, preventing their growth and replication. It also can inhibit the conversion of yeasts to their mycelial form, which is thought to contribute to its antifungal activity. 

undecylenic acid’s antibacterial activity is thought to be due to its ability to disrupt bacterial cell membranes, leading to bacterial death. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of several strains of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. 

Regarding antiviral activity, undecylenic acid has been shown to inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus, although the exact mechanism of action is not yet fully understood. 

undecylenic acid is also known to have anti-inflammatory effects. It has been studied for its potential in treating acne due to its ability to reduce inflammation and inhibit bacterial growth. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

Topically applied undecylenic acid is well absorbed through the skin and can be detected in the bloodstream within hours of application. However, the extent of systemic absorption needs to be better established, and the absorption of undecylenic acid when taken orally is also not well studied. 

Distribution 

undecylenic acid is thought to be widely distributed in the body after absorption, but its exact distribution needs to be better characterized. In animal studies, undecylenic acid has been found in several tissues, including the liver, kidney, and brain. 

Metabolism 

The metabolism of undecylenic acid needs to be better understood, and the available information is mainly limited to animal studies. It is thought to undergo hepatic metabolism, but the exact metabolic pathways and metabolites must be better characterized. 

Elimination and Excretion 

undecylenic acid is thought to be eliminated from the body mainly via the kidneys, although the exact elimination pathways and half-life still need to be well established. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

undecylenic acid can be administered in different ways depending on the treated condition. The most common route of administration is topic, as undecylenic acid is often used as an antifungal agent for skin and nail infections. 

Topical administration may involve applying undecylenic acid as a cream, lotion, or powder directly to the affected area. It is usually applied once or twice daily, as directed by a healthcare professional. 

undecylenic acid can also be taken orally in the form of a supplement. Oral supplements are sometimes used to treat fungal infections or to support healthy immune function. However, oral supplementation should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as there is limited research on the safety and efficacy of undecylenic acid when taken orally. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name:  undecylenic acid 

Pronounced: uhn-decy-lenik ay-cid 

Why do we use undecylenic acid? 

undecylenic acid is used for several reasons due to its various pharmacological properties. Some of the most common reasons why undecylenic acid is used include: 

• Antifungal activity: undecylenic acid is a potent antifungal agent often used to treat fungal infections of the skin and nails, such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch. It disrupts the fungi’s cell membranes, preventing their growth and replication. 
• Antibacterial activity: undecylenic acid also has antibacterial properties and is sometimes used to treat bacterial infections. It can inhibit the growth of several strains of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. 
• Anti-inflammatory activity: undecylenic acid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it useful in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as acne. 
• Potential antiviral activity: Although the antiviral activity of undecylenic acid is not yet fully understood, some studies have suggested that it may be effective in reducing the duration and severity of herpes simplex virus outbreaks.