Amorolfine

Amorolfine is a morpholine derivative which is used topically as an antifungal agent. It has a broad spectrum of activity, including dermatophytes, various filamentous and dematiaceous fungi, yeasts and dimorphic fungi.

Its activity is fungicidal for most species. It penetrates into the nail rapidly and achieves concentrations higher than the MICs obtained for most of the fungi causing onychomycosis. Its clearance is slow following topical application.

Amorolfine has been ineffective when administered orally to animals with systemic fungal infections. This lack of activity may be due to protein binding and/or rapid metabolism of the drug.

Amorolfine has 5% nail lacquer formulation. It is being manufactured by Roche Laboratories and its trade name is Loceryl™.

The most significant advantage of nail lacquer formulation is that it builds a non-water soluble film on the nail plate which remains at the application site for a week. This film acts as a depot for the drug. Cream, vaginal tablet and spray formulations of amorolfine were once available but no longer appear to be manufactured.