Elevation of antidermatophytic action of mefenamic acid by cobalt ions

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the antifungal property of mefenamic acid, which is a member of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to evaluate the antifungal property of mefenamic acid on dermatophytes, it was mixed with cobalt (Co) in culture media. Two species related to two genera of dermatophytes were tested for their susceptibility to mefenamic acid and its complex with Co by using colony diameter measurement method. RESULTS: The inhibitory action of mefenamic acid on fungal strains was increased in the presence of Co. Epidermophyton floccosum showed more susceptibly to either mefenamic acid or its complex with Co than Trichophyton mentagrophytes variant mentagrophytes. CONCLUSIONS: Mefenamic acid showed potential ability to prevent growth of dermatophytes. This ability increased due to the presence of Co.