Clioquinol API Manufacturers & Suppliers
3 verified resultsCommercial-scale Suppliers
All certificates
All certificates
All certificates







Clioquinol | CAS No: 130-26-7 | GMP-certified suppliers
A medication that supports treatment of superficial fungal and mixed bacterial‑fungal skin infections, offering topical anti-infective utility for dermatologic and otic applications.
Therapeutic categories
Primary indications
- Used as a topical antifungal treatment
Product Snapshot
- Clioquinol is a topical small‑molecule active supplied in multiple semi-solid and liquid formulations for cutaneous, otic, and vaginal use
- Its primary use is antifungal management in topical applications
- It has a mixed regulatory history in the US and Canada, with products noted as approved, veterinary‑approved, or withdrawn depending on presentation
Clinical Overview
Clioquinol exhibits primarily bacteriostatic activity with additional antifungal effects. The mechanism of action has not been fully defined but is thought to involve interference with microbial metabolic or structural processes associated with the hydroxyquinoline moiety.
Systemic absorption following topical application is generally low; however, absorption increases when applied to large body surface areas or compromised skin. A characteristic pharmacodynamic effect is elevation of protein-bound iodine levels within approximately one week of repeated or extensive exposure. This reflects iodine content inherent to the molecule rather than thyroid dysfunction. Distribution, metabolism, and elimination characteristics are not comprehensively defined due to limited modern clinical pharmacokinetic study and its topical use profile.
Safety concerns have been substantial. Historical reports linked clioquinol to neurotoxicity, including subacute myelo-optic neuropathy, leading to market withdrawals and restrictions. Risk appears associated with high systemic exposure, prolonged use, or oral administration, which is no longer practiced. Topical use should be limited in duration and surface area, avoiding application to broken skin when possible. Additional considerations include potential hypersensitivity reactions and discoloration of skin or fabrics.
For API procurement, suppliers must provide clear documentation on impurity controls, iodine content, residual solvent levels, and stability under typical storage conditions. Given its complex regulatory status, sourcing requires verification of regional approvals and attention to pharmacopoeial specifications where available.
Identification & chemistry
| Generic name | Clioquinol |
|---|---|
| Molecule type | Small molecule |
| CAS | 130-26-7 |
| UNII | 7BHQ856EJ5 |
| DrugBank ID | DB04815 |
Pharmacology
| Summary | Clioquinol exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activity, though its precise mechanism of action is not fully defined. It is considered bacteriostatic and can influence systemic iodine levels when applied to large or compromised skin areas. The compound is used topically for its antifungal effects. |
|---|---|
| Mechanism of action | Clioquinol is bacteriostatic, however, the precise mechanism of its action is unknown. |
| Pharmacodynamics | Clioquinol is a broad-spectrum antibacterial with antifungal properties. Application of clioquinol to extensive or eroded areas of the skin may lead to increased protein-bound iodine (PBI) levels within 1 week. In addition, elevated PBI levels may occur when relatively small areas of the skin are treated with clioquinol for more than 1 week. |
ADME / PK
| Absorption | Topical absorption is rapid and extensive, especially when the skin is covered with an occlusive dressing or if the medication is applied to extensive or eroded areas of the skin. Clioquinol is absorbed through the skin in sufficient amounts to affect thyroid function tests. |
|---|
Formulation & handling
- Clioquinol is a lipophilic small‑molecule chloroquinoline used mainly in topical, otic, and vaginal formulations, with low aqueous solubility favoring semisolid or solution‑in‑oil systems.
- Limited water solubility and solid state require solubilizers or appropriate excipients for stable topical or transmucosal delivery.
- Light and oxidation sensitivity reported for chloroquinoline derivatives may warrant protection from light and inclusion of antioxidants in finished formulations.
Regulatory status
| Lifecycle | Patent‑expiry details aren’t provided, but commercial availability in the US and Canada indicates that the API is in an established phase of its lifecycle. The precise maturity level would depend on remaining exclusivities or generic entry in these markets. |
|---|
| Markets | US, Canada |
|---|
Supply Chain
| Supply chain summary | Clioquinol is an older active ingredient with no single current originator; multiple manufacturers supply the API and finished formulations. Branded and private‑label products are marketed mainly in the US and Canada, indicating a mature and regionally focused commercial presence. Patent protections have long expired, so the market operates under established generic competition. |
|---|
Certificate of Analysis
A CoA is a document issued by a companies’ QA/QC-department that confirms that a product meets its product specification and is part of the quality control of a product batch. The CoA commonly contains results obtained from laboratory tests of an individual batch of a product. There are different international standards to which a product can be tested, for example: Ph. Eur. | EP – (European Pharmacopoeia) USP – (United States Pharmacopeia)
Clioquinol is a type of Antifungals
Antifungals are a vital category of pharmaceutical active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) designed to combat fungal infections. These medications are developed to target and eliminate fungi, including yeasts and molds, which can cause a range of diseases in humans and animals.
Antifungals work by interfering with specific components or processes essential for fungal growth and reproduction. They may inhibit the synthesis of fungal cell walls or disrupt the production of ergosterol, a crucial component of fungal cell membranes. By targeting these key mechanisms, antifungal APIs effectively hinder the growth and spread of fungal infections.
The diversity within the antifungal category is reflected in the various classes of antifungal APIs available. Azoles, polyenes, echinocandins, and allylamines are common classes of antifungals. Each class exhibits unique mechanisms of action and targets specific types of fungi. This diversity enables healthcare professionals to tailor treatment plans to the specific fungal infection, optimizing therapeutic outcomes.
Antifungal APIs find application in various pharmaceutical formulations, including oral medications, topical creams, ointments, and intravenous solutions. They are crucial for the treatment of common fungal infections like athlete's foot, ringworm, vaginal yeast infections, and oral thrush. Additionally, antifungals play a crucial role in managing serious systemic fungal infections that can pose significant health risks, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
Overall, antifungal APIs are indispensable tools in the fight against fungal infections, offering effective treatment options and improving the quality of life for patients suffering from these conditions. With ongoing research and development, the antifungal category continues to evolve, providing innovative solutions to combat the ever-changing landscape of fungal pathogens.
Clioquinol API manufacturers & distributors
Compare qualified Clioquinol API suppliers worldwide. We currently have 3 companies offering Clioquinol API, with manufacturing taking place in 3 different countries. Use the table below to review supplier type, countries of origin, certifications, product portfolio and GMP audit availability.
| Supplier | Type | Country | Product origin | Certifications | Portfolio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caesar & Loretz GmbH (CAE... | Distributor | Germany | Unknown | BSE/TSE, CoA, GMP, ISO9001, MSDS | 211 products |
| LGM Pharma | Distributor | United States | World | BSE/TSE, CEP, CoA, GMP, MSDS, USDMF | 441 products |
| Tenatra Exports Private L... | Distributor | India | India | BSE/TSE, CoA, FDA, GMP, MSDS | 263 products |
When sending a request, specify which Clioquinol API quality you need: for example EP (Ph. Eur.), USP, JP, BP, or another pharmacopoeial standard, as well as the required grade (base, salt, micronised, specific purity, etc.).
Use the list above to find high-quality Clioquinol API suppliers. For example, you can select GMP, FDA or ISO certified suppliers. Visit our help page to learn more about sourcing APIs via Pharmaoffer.
