The activity of various topical griseofulvin preparations and the appearance of oral griseofulvin in the stratum corneum

Abstract

Stratum corncum may be stripped onto a tape, sterilized and then inoculated with Trichophyton mentagrophytes spores. Under controlled conditions the spores germinate in vitro in the stratum corneum. This method has been quantified and adapted to the investigation of topical antifungal agents. Various formulations of topical griseofulvin were tested for activity and duration of effect with this method. The antifungal effect of I% griseofulvin in a cream base was weak and of short duration. I% griscofulvin in dimethylacetamide (DMAC) was totally effective for 24 h and could be detected 96 h after one application. Griseofulvin in DMAC was also totally effective, as a prophylactic agent, against experimental human T, mentagrophytes infections for up to 72 h after one application. Griseofulvin in an oral dose of I g daily was detected in all three layers of the stratum corneum within 8 h of administration.