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Tolnaftate


Mechanism of action:

Tolnaftate is a thiocarbamate derivative. Tolnaftate inhibits squalene epoxidase in fungal cell membrane synthesis. This enzyme is responsible for converting squalene into 2,3-epoxysqualene, an early step in the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. By inhibiting squalene epoxidase, tolnaftate reduces downstream ergosterol production, making the fungal cell membrane structurally incomplete. At the same time, squalene accumulates because it cannot be converted into 2,3-epoxysqualene, causing toxicity. This ultimately suppresses fungal growth and can lead to cellular damage.

Reference(s):

1. Barrett-Bee K et al. (1995). Ergosterol biosynthesis inhibition: a target for antifungal agents. Acta Biochim Pol. 


2. Ryder NS et al. (1986). Ergosterol biosynthesis inhibition by the thiocarbamate antifungal agents tolnaftate and tolciclate. Antimicrob Agents Chemother.

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