Pyrithione Zinc

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A coordination complex of the zinc ion and pyrithione, a derivative of the naturally occurring antibiotic aspergillic acid with antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-seborrheic effects. Although the exact mechanism of action remains to be fully elucidated, pyrithione zinc appears to interfere with the membrane transport of ions and metabolites, ultimately leading to a loss of metabolic control. In addition, this agent causes an influx of copper, leading to a reduction in the activity of iron-sulphur proteins resulting in growth inhibition.

**Synonyms:** - 2-Mercaptopyridine 1-oxide Zinc Salt - Bis(1-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridinethionato)zinc - PYRITHIONE ZINC - Zinc Pyridine-2-thiol 1-oxide - Zinc Pyrithione - Zinc, bis(1-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridinethionato)- - Zinc, bis(2-pyridylthio)-, N,N'-dioxide