Bifonazole (CAS 60628-96-8) is a potent topical antifungal agent belonging to the imidazole class of azole antifungals. This synthetic compound is widely used for treating various superficial fungal infections of the skin, including athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and ringworm (tinea corporis). With its broad-spectrum antifungal activity and favorable safety profile, bifonazole has become a trusted choice for dermatologists and healthcare providers worldwide.
Available under various trade names such as Canespor and Azolmen, bifonazole is typically formulated as a 1% cream for topical application. Its unique mechanism of action disrupts fungal cell membrane synthesis, effectively stopping the growth and reproduction of pathogenic fungi.
What is Bifonazole?
Bifonazole is a synthetic imidazole derivative with the molecular formula C20H14N2 and a molecular weight of 298.34 g/mol. As a member of the azole antifungal family, it works by inhibiting the enzyme lanosterol 14α-demethylase, which is essential for converting lanosterol to ergosterol—the primary sterol component of fungal cell membranes.
By blocking ergosterol synthesis, bifonazole disrupts the integrity of the fungal cell membrane. This leads to increased membrane permeability, leakage of cellular contents, and ultimately fungal cell death. The drug exhibits fungistatic activity at lower concentrations and fungicidal activity at higher concentrations, making it effective against a wide range of pathogenic fungi.
Mechanismus der Wirkung
Bifonazole’s antifungal activity is based on its ability to inhibit cytochrome P450-dependent lanosterol 14α-demethylase. This enzyme is crucial for the demethylation of lanosterol, a key step in the biosynthetic pathway of ergosterol in fungal cells.
When ergosterol synthesis is inhibited:
- Fungal cell membranes become structurally compromised
- Essential cellular components leak out
- Fungal growth is halted
- Existing fungal cells are killed
One of the advantages of bifonazole is its high lipophilicity, which allows it to penetrate the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin) effectively and persist in the skin for extended periods, providing prolonged antifungal activity.
What Are the Benefits?
Broad-Spectrum Antifungal Activity
Bifonazole demonstrates excellent activity against:
- Dermatophytes: Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton species
- Yeasts: Candida species, particularly Candida albicans
- Malassezia furfur: The causative agent of pityriasis (tinea) versicolor
Clinical studies have demonstrated that bifonazole is significantly superior to placebo and at least as effective as other imidazole antifungals including clotrimazole, econazole, miconazole, oxiconazole, and sulconazole.
Convenient Once-Daily Dosing
Unlike some antifungal agents that require twice-daily application, bifonazole cream is typically applied once daily. This improves patient compliance and makes treatment more convenient, especially for treating areas that are difficult to reach.
Low Systemic Absorption
Topical bifonazole has very low systemic absorption (only about 0.6% of an applied dose). Even in cases of skin lesions, absorption increases only to approximately 2.5%. This minimizes the risk of systemic side effects and drug interactions, making it suitable for a wide range of patients.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
In addition to its antifungal effects, bifonazole exhibits some anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the redness, itching, and discomfort associated with fungal skin infections.
What Are the Uses?
Tinea Pedis (Athlete’s Foot)
Bifonazole is extensively used to treat athlete’s foot, one of the most common superficial fungal infections. Clinical studies have shown excellent results, with a 1% bifonazole cream effectively treating the majority of cases within 2-4 weeks of once-daily application.
Tinea Cruris (Jock Itch)
The antifungal agent is equally effective against jock itch, a fungal infection affecting the groin area. Its anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate the characteristic itching and discomfort.
Tinea Corporis (Ringworm)
Bifonazole effectively treats ringworm infections on various body parts, including the trunk, arms, and legs. The once-daily application makes it particularly convenient for treating larger areas.
Pityriasis Versicolor
This common skin condition caused by Malassezia furfur responds well to bifonazole treatment. The medication helps restore normal skin pigmentation after eliminating the fungal overgrowth.
Cutaneous Candidiasis
Bifonazole is also effective against Candida-related skin infections, including intertriginous infections (skin folds) and paronychia (nail fold infections).
Onychomycosis ( Nail Fungus) – Combination Therapy
In some regions, bifonazole is available in combination with urea (10%) for treating onychomycosis (fungal nail infections). The urea helps soften the nail plate, allowing better penetration of bifonazole into the nail bed.
Safety and Side Effects
Bifonazole is generally well-tolerated when used topically. The most common side effects are mild and localized:
- Burning sensation: The most frequently reported side effect, usually mild and transient
- Itching or stinging: May occur at the application site
- Redness: Localized skin irritation in some cases
- Contact dermatitis: Rare but possible in sensitive individuals
Contraindications and Precautions
- Hypersensitivity: Should not be used by individuals allergic to bifonazole or other azole antifungals
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Use only if clearly needed; consult a healthcare provider
- Ophthalmic use: Not for use in or around the eyes
- Open wounds: Avoid application to broken skin unless directed by a physician
Drug Interactions
Due to minimal systemic absorption, clinically significant drug interactions with topical bifonazole are unlikely. However, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re using.
Chemical Specifications
| CAS-Nummer | 60628-96-8 |
| Molekulare Formel | C20H14N2 |
| Molekulargewicht | 298.34 g/mol |
| IUPAC Name | 1-[(4-chlorophenyl)phenylmethyl]imidazole |
| Trade Names | Canespor, Azolmen, Mycospor |
| Drug Class | Imidazole antifungal |
| Formulation | 1% cream for topical use |
| Systemic Absorption | Very low (~0.6%) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for bifonazole to work?
Most patients experience improvement within 1-2 weeks of starting treatment. However, it’s important to continue using the medication for the full prescribed duration (typically 2-4 weeks) to prevent recurrence. Complete clinical resolution may take up to 4-6 weeks depending on the severity of the infection.
Can bifonazole be used for nail fungus?
Topical bifonazole alone is generally not effective for onychomycosis (nail fungus) because it cannot penetrate the nail plate sufficiently. However, formulations combining bifonazole with urea (10%) can be used to soften the nail and enhance penetration. For nail fungus, oral antifungal medications are typically more effective.
Is bifonazole better than clotrimazole?
Both bifonazole and clotrimazole are effective imidazole antifungals. Studies have shown bifonazole to be at least as effective as clotrimazole and other azoles for treating superficial fungal infections. The choice between them often depends on individual patient factors, cost, and availability.
Can I use bifonazole while pregnant?
The safety of bifonazole during pregnancy has not been definitively established. Pregnant women should only use bifonazole if clearly needed and under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Topical application minimizes systemic exposure, but caution is still advised.
What happens if I stop using bifonazole early?
Stopping bifonazole before completing the treatment course may result in incomplete eradication of the fungal infection, leading to recurrence. Always use the medication for the full duration as prescribed, even if symptoms improve earlier.
Why Choose Our Bifonazole?
When sourcing bifonazole (CAS 60628-96-8) for pharmaceutical manufacturing, research, or formulation purposes, partnering with a reliable supplier is essential. Here’s why customers choose us:
- High purity grade: Our bifonazole meets or exceeds pharmaceutical quality standards
- Consistent quality: Batch-to-batch reliability for consistent results
- Technical documentation: Complete Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available
- Competitive pricing: Factory-direct pricing for bulk orders
- Reliable supply: Consistent availability to meet your production needs
- Expert support: Our technical team can assist with formulation questions and applications
We serve pharmaceutical companies, contract manufacturers, and research institutions worldwide with premium chemical products and dedicated customer support.
Related Products
Explore our other antifungal agents and pharmaceutical intermediates:
- Clotrimazole – Broad-spectrum imidazole antifungal
- Miconazole – Topical antifungal agent
- Ketoconazole – Azole antifungal
- Econazole Nitrate – Topical antifungal
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