The antifungal activity of ketoconazole.

The antifungal properties of ketoconazole were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. The antifungal potency of ketoconazole in vitro was studied in Sabouraud's broth for 715 fungal strains belonging to 85 species and several strains were tested in other media, including Eagle's minimal essential medium. Ketoconazole is highly active in vitro and possesses broadspectrum activity. Its in vitro activity is largely dependent on the medium used. Ketoconazole's activity is increased in medium enriched with serum and in Eagle's minimal essential medium. Ketoconazole is very potent in the topical treatment of skin dermatophytosis, skin candidiasis, and in vaginal candidiasis of laboratory animals. Ketoconazole is superior to griseofulvin in the oral treatment of skin dermatophytosis. Furthermore, ketoconazole is orally highly active in skin candidiasis in guinea pigs, in vaginal candidiasis in rats, and in gastrointestinal candidiasis in various animal animal species. In systemic candidiasis and in disseminated dermatophytosis in guinea pigs cure with oral ketoconazole is achieved. No side effects are observed.