Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DIFLUCAN versus NATACYN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DIFLUCAN versus NATACYN.
DIFLUCAN vs NATACYN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Diflucan (fluconazole) is a triazole antifungal agent that inhibits fungal cytochrome P450 14-alpha-demethylase, thereby blocking the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol, an essential component of the fungal cell membrane. This leads to increased membrane permeability and inhibition of fungal growth.
Natamycin is a polyene antifungal that binds to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, increasing permeability and causing cell death.
Oral or IV: 200-400 mg loading dose, then 100-200 mg once daily. Dose and duration depend on indication.
One drop of 5% ophthalmic suspension into the conjunctival sac every 1-2 hours for 48 hours, then taper to one drop 4-6 times daily.
None Documented
None Documented
30 hours (range 20-50 hours); prolonged in renal impairment (up to 98 hours in CrCl <20 mL/min)
Not well characterized due to minimal systemic absorption; estimated to be 2-3 hours in plasma if absorbed.
Renal: 80% unchanged; fecal/biliary: 11% as metabolites
Primarily fecal via biliary elimination; less than 5% renal excretion of absorbed dose.
Category C
Category C
Antifungal
Antifungal, Ophthalmic