# Bifonazole (CAS 60628-96-8): Complete Guide to This Imidazole Antifungal Agent

## What is Bifonazole?

Bifonazole is a synthetic imidazole-class antifungal medication that belongs to the azole family of antifungal agents. With the chemical formula C22H18N2 and a molecular weight of 310.4 g/mol, bifonazole is a white to off-white crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).

This potent antifungal agent was developed to treat various superficial fungal infections affecting the skin. As an imidazole derivative, bifonazole works by interfering with the fungal cell membrane synthesis, specifically targeting the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. Ergosterol is a critical component of fungal cell membranes, and by inhibiting its production, bifonazole effectively disrupts fungal cell growth and replication.

Bifonazole is primarily formulated as a topical preparation, available in cream, solution, and spray formulations. It is marketed under various brand names globally and has been approved for use in numerous countries for the treatment of dermatological fungal infections.

## What Are the Benefits of Bifonazole?

### Broad-Spectrum Antifungal Activity

One of the primary benefits of bifonazole is its broad-spectrum antifungal activity against various pathogenic fungi. It demonstrates effective inhibitory properties against:

– **Dermatophytes**: Including Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum canis
– **Yeasts**: Such as Candida albicans and other Candida species
– **Malassezia furfur**: The causative agent of pityriasis (tinea) versicolor

This broad-spectrum activity makes bifonazole a versatile choice for treating mixed or unidentified fungal infections.

### Effective Treatment for Multiple Skin Infections

Bifonazole is indicated for the treatment of various superficial fungal infections, including:

1. **Tinea pedis (Athlete’s foot)**: A common fungal infection affecting the feet
2. **Tinea cruris (Jock itch)**: Fungal infection in the groin area
3. **Tinea corporis (Ringworm)**: Fungal infection on the body
4. **Tinea manuum**: Fungal infection of the hands
5. **Pityriasis versicolor**: Caused by Malassezia furfur
6. **Cutaneous candidiasis**: Yeast infections of the skin

### Long-Lasting Effect

Bifonazole has a prolonged residence time in the skin, allowing for once-daily or twice-daily application regimens. Its lipophilic nature enables it to penetrate the stratum corneum (the outer layer of skin) effectively and maintain therapeutic concentrations for extended periods.

### Low Risk of Systemic Absorption

As a topical medication, bifonazole has minimal systemic absorption when applied to intact skin. This characteristic significantly reduces the risk of systemic side effects and drug interactions, making it suitable for a wide range of patients, including those with underlying health conditions.

## What Are the Uses of Bifonazole?

### Clinical Applications

In medical practice, bifonazole is primarily used for:

– **Topical treatment of dermatophyte infections**: The drug is applied directly to the affected area of the skin
– **Treatment of yeast infections**: Effective against Candida-related skin infections
– **Management of pityriasis versicolor**: Used to treat this common superficial fungal infection characterized by discolored patches on the skin

### Pharmaceutical Formulations

Bifonazole is available in various pharmaceutical formulations:

| Formulation | Concentration | Typical Use |
|————-|—————|————-|
| Cream | 1% | General application |
| Solution | 1% | Scalp and hairy areas |
| Spray | 1% | Large areas and hard-to-reach places |
| Powder | 1% | Adjunctive therapy for moist areas |

### Mechanism of Action

Bifonazole exerts its antifungal effect by inhibiting the enzyme lanosterol 14α-demethylase, which is a key enzyme in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. By blocking this enzyme:

1. Fungal cells cannot produce ergosterol (the fungal equivalent of cholesterol)
2. Cell membrane integrity is compromised
3. Fungal cell growth is inhibited
4. Eventually, fungal cells die

This targeted mechanism makes bifonazole effective while having minimal impact on human cells, as human cells use cholesterol rather than ergosterol for cell membrane function.

## Safety and Side Effects

### Common Side Effects

Bifonazole is generally well-tolerated when used topically. The most common side effects are usually mild and localized to the application site:

– **Skin irritation**: Mild redness, itching, or burning sensation at the application site
– **Contact dermatitis**: Rare allergic skin reactions
– **Dryness**: Temporary dryness of the treated skin area

### Contraindications

Bifonazole should not be used:

– In patients with known hypersensitivity to bifonazole or other imidazole antifungals
– On broken or damaged skin unless directed by a healthcare professional
– For ophthalmic use (avoid contact with eyes)

### Precautions

– **Pregnancy and breastfeeding**: Consult a healthcare provider before use
– **Pediatric use**: Use under medical supervision in children
– **Drug interactions**: Minimal risk due to low systemic absorption, but inform your doctor of all medications being used

### Overdose

Topical overdose is unlikely to cause serious problems. If accidentally ingested, seek medical attention immediately.

## Chemical Specifications

| Property | Value |
|———-|——-|
| **CAS Number** | 60628-96-8 |
| **Chemical Name** | 1-(4-tert-Butylphenyl)-2-phenyl-1H-imidazole |
| **Molecular Formula** | C22H18N2 |
| **Molecular Weight** | 310.4 g/mol |
| **Appearance** | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| **Solubility** | Practically insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, methanol, and DMSO |
| **Melting Point** | 142-146°C |
| **Storage** | Store at room temperature (20-25°C), protected from light and moisture |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How long does it take for bifonazole to work?

Most patients experience improvement within 1-2 weeks of treatment. However, complete resolution of the infection may take 2-4 weeks. It’s important to continue using the medication as directed, even if symptoms improve earlier.

### Can bifonazole be used for nail infections?

Bifonazole is primarily formulated for skin infections and has limited efficacy against nail fungus (onychomycosis). For nail infections, oral antifungal medications or specific nail formulations are typically recommended.

### Is bifonazole available over-the-counter?

In many countries, bifonazole is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication for the treatment of superficial fungal infections. However, prescription formulations may also be available depending on the country.

### Can I use bifonazole with other medications?

Due to minimal systemic absorption, bifonazole has a low potential for drug interactions. However, it’s always advisable to inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are using.

### What should I do if the condition worsens or doesn’t improve?

If the infection worsens or shows no improvement after 2 weeks of regular use, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and alternative treatment options.

## Why Choose Our Bifonazole?

When sourcing bifonazole for pharmaceutical manufacturing, research, or formulation purposes, our company offers several advantages:

### Quality Assurance

– **High purity**: Our bifonazole meets pharmaceutical-grade specifications (≥98% purity)
– **Quality control**: Every batch undergoes rigorous testing including HPLC, GC, and identity verification
– **Certificate of Analysis (COA)**: Available for all products

### Competitive Pricing

– **Factory direct pricing**: No middleman markups
– **Bulk discounts**: Available for large quantity orders
– **Flexible order quantities**: From kilograms to metric tons

### Reliable Supply

– **Stable inventory**: Regular stock availability
– **Fast shipping**: Global delivery within 1-2 weeks
– **Technical support**: Our team of chemists is available to answer your technical questions

### Customization

– **Custom formulations**: We can provide specific concentrations or formulations
– **Technical documentation**: Comprehensive DMF (Drug Master File) support available
– **OEM/ODM services**: Private label manufacturing options

## Related Products

If you’re interested in bifonazole, you may also find these related antifungal agents useful:

– Clotrimazole – Another imidazole antifungal
– Miconazole – Broad-spectrum antifungal
– Ketoconazole – Azole antifungal agent
– Terbinafine – Allylamine antifungal

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**Disclaimer**: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication.