Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: EXSEL versus MENTAX.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: EXSEL versus MENTAX.
EXSEL vs MENTAX
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Exsel (selenium sulfide) is an antifungal agent that reduces the production of cutaneous oils and exerts cytostatic effects on epidermal cells. It inhibits the growth of Pityrosporum ovale and other fungi by interfering with oxidative enzyme systems, leading to decreased sebum production and normalization of epidermal turnover.
Inhibits fungal squalene epoxidase, thereby blocking ergosterol biosynthesis and causing accumulation of squalene, leading to fungal cell death.
1-2 mg orally once daily; maximum dose 2 mg/day.
Butenafine hydrochloride 1% cream: apply to affected area once daily for 2 weeks for tinea pedis; for tinea corporis and tinea cruris, apply once daily for 1 week.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal half-life: 12-18 hours (mean 15 h); requires dose adjustment in renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min).
Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 5-6 hours; clinical significance: supports twice-daily dosing for topical antifungal therapy.
Renal: ~70% unchanged; biliary/fecal: ~30% as metabolites.
Primarily fecal (biliary) as unchanged drug and metabolites; renal excretion of metabolites accounts for less than 1% of the dose.
Category C
Category C
Topical Antifungal
Topical Antifungal