Mechanism of Action
The primary mechanism of action of clotrimazole is against the division and growing of fungi. Clotrimazole alters the permeability of the fungal cell wall and inhibits the activity of enzymes within the cell. It specifically inhibits the biosynthesis of ergosterol and other sterols required for cell membrane production. Studies show minimal concentrations of clotrimazole cause leakage of intracellular phosphorus compounds into the ambient medium, along with the breakdown of cellular nucleic acids and an accelerated K+ efflux. This leads eventually to the cell's death. It does not appreciably spread through the user's body, but remains at the point of application.
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