Bioavailability of fluconazole and ketoconazole in human stratum corneum and oral mucosa.

In this study, the bioavailability of fluconazole and ketoconazole in the stratum corneum and oral mucosa after multiple oral dosages were compared. It is well recognized that such evaluation is heavily dependent on the test methods employed. A method of culture of fungi on human stratum corneum and superficial mucosal cells, a model close to the in-vivo situation, was used. A significant difference in the bioavailability of the two antifungals in stratum corneum and superficial cells of oral mucosa was found. The activity of ketoconazole proved to be more rapid against T. mentagrophytes while fluconazole appeared slightly more active against C. albicans.