Depression of testosterone and adrenal steroid synthesis in males may lead to gynecomastia. Is similar to ketoconzole, but less able to cross membranes and more toxic. Heavily advertized as a topical antifungal. Must be used by infusion for systemic effects. Potassium Iodide Potassium iodide is an old drug that is still the drug of choice for cutaneous-lymphatic sporotrichosis.
Veterinarians also use the drug for actinomycosis.
Most textbooks classify KI as an expectorant. It increases secretions in the respiratory tract in approximately 30 min. Adverse effects include hypothyroidism and Iodism . Signs include brassy taste, rhinitis, coryza, salivation, lacrimation, sneezing, burning of mouth and throat, ocular irritation, sialadenitis, and dermal lesions. Drugs include imidazoles mentioned earlier plus clotrimazole and econazole .