Decocort Mechanism of Action

Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Miconazole is an imidazole antifungal agent which interferes with ergosterol synthesis and thereby alters the permeability of the cell membrane of sensitive fungi. Hydrocortisone is a topically active corticosteroid which has anti-inflammatory action.
Pharmacokinetics: Miconazole has shown fungistatic activity, in vitro, against a number of fungi causing systemic mycoses such as Coccidioides immitis, Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitides and Cryptococcus neoformans. Miconazole appears to act on the fungal cell wall and membranes inducing permeability changes which alter the ionic macromolecular composition of the effected cells. At high concentrations, Miconazole has shown fungicidal activity against various organisms. Miconazole readily penetrates the stratum corneum of the skin and persists there for more than 4 days after application. Less than 1% is absorbed into the blood. Absorption is no more than 1.3% from the vagina. Topical corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive actions. When administered topically, particularly under occlusive dressing or when the skin is broken, sufficient corticosteroid may be absorbed to give systemic effects. Only unbound corticosteroids have pharmacological effects or are metabolised. They are metabolised mainly in the liver, also in the kidneys and are excreted in the urine.