Butenafine

Butenafine (N-4-tert-butylbenzyl-N-methyl-1-naphthalenemethyl-amine hydrochloride) is a benzylamine derivative and a new generation topical antifungal compound. It has favorable activity against various dermatophytes, as well as Candida albicans. Butenafine achieves high concentrations in skin and remains in skin tissue for prolonged periods (24 hours in guinea pigs). It is mostly distributed in epidermis. A small amount is detectable also in dermis, probably due to its transport via sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Importantly, butenafine exerts anti-inflammatory as well as antifungal activity in vivo. This property is particularly beneficial in dermatophytic infections that are accompanied by a marked inflammatory reaction in the infected tissue. Butenafine is soluble in water as well as in methanol, ethanol, dichloromethane, and chloroform.

Butenafine has 1% cream formulation. It is being manufactured by Penederm, Inc. and its trade name is Mentax.

Usual Doses
Butenafine cream is applied once or twice daily on the infected area. Duration of therapy varies with anatomic location of the infection. In tinea pedis, tinea cruris or tinea corporis, 2 to 4 weeks of therapy is most common.

Side-Effects
Topical butenafine is well-tolerated and adverse reactions are rare. Mild burning sensation at the application site has been observed in some patients