Isoconazole Preparation and Trade Name
Isoconazole nitrate is available under the trade name Travogen (as monotherapy) and Travocort (in combination with diflucortolone valerate), though availability varies significantly by geographic region and these preparations may not be marketed in the United States. 1, 2, 3
Available Formulations
Monotherapy Products
- Travogen cream: Contains 1% isoconazole nitrate as the sole antifungal agent 2
- Gyno-Travogen cream: A 1% isoconazole nitrate formulation for gynecological use 2
- Higher concentrations (2% and 4%) have been developed for specific clinical situations requiring more intensive therapy 2
Combination Products
- Travocort: The most widely studied combination containing 1% isoconazole nitrate plus 0.1% diflucortolone valerate (a potent topical corticosteroid) 1, 3
- This combination provides both antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects, particularly beneficial for inflammatory dermatomycoses 4, 3
Geographic Availability
Where to Obtain
- Asian markets: Isoconazole preparations have been extensively used and studied in Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia for over 30 years 1
- European markets: Originally introduced in Germany and subsequently distributed across Europe 1
- Limited U.S. availability: These formulations are not commonly available in the United States, as the evidence provided focuses on international markets
Clinical Context
When Combination Therapy Is Preferred
- Inflammatory dermatomycoses with pronounced erythema and pruritus benefit from the Travocort combination, which provides faster symptom relief than monotherapy 4, 3
- The corticosteroid component (diflucortolone valerate) does not interfere with the antimycotic activity of isoconazole nitrate 2
- Combination therapy shows superior results for erythema and pruritus resolution, with similar mycological cure rates to monotherapy 4
Important Caveats
- The addition of corticosteroid increases bioavailability and prolongs antifungal activity in the skin, providing protection against reinfection for weeks after therapy completion 3
- Diflucortolone valerate has low systemic absorption, minimizing the risk of systemic glucocorticoid side effects 3
Note: Given the limited availability of isoconazole preparations in many markets, particularly the United States, clinicians should verify local formulary availability before prescribing. Alternative imidazole antifungals (such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or ketoconazole) combined with appropriate topical corticosteroids may serve as substitutes where isoconazole is unavailable.