Levoketoconazole

Levoketoconazole is a steroidal antifungal medication used in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome. It is the levorotatory enantiomer of ketoconazole, and has been shown to have more potent effects and fewer side effects than the racemic mixture.

Etymology

The term "levoketoconazole" is derived from the Latin "levo-", meaning "left", and "ketoconazole", the name of the parent compound. The "ketoconazole" portion of the name is itself derived from "keto-", a prefix used in organic chemistry to denote the presence of a ketone group, and "azole", a class of compounds containing a five-membered ring of atoms.

Pharmacology

Levoketoconazole works by inhibiting the enzyme cytochrome P450 17A1, which is involved in the production of cortisol. By inhibiting this enzyme, levoketoconazole reduces the overproduction of cortisol that characterizes Cushing's syndrome.

Clinical use

Levoketoconazole is used in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome, a condition characterized by an overproduction of cortisol. It is typically used when surgery is not an option or has not been successful. Levoketoconazole has been shown to be more effective and have fewer side effects than the racemic mixture of ketoconazole.

Side effects

Common side effects of levoketoconazole include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and headache. Less common but more serious side effects can include hepatotoxicity, QT prolongation, and adrenal insufficiency.

See also

• Ketoconazole
• Cushing's syndrome
• Cytochrome P450 17A1

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