At

10
–5 M, miconazole (MCZ) can exert a direct physicochemical cell-damaging lethal action against logarithmic phase yeasts of
Candida albicans. The imidazole moiety of MCZ has a pKa

6.5. Thus, in media of pH >6.5 most drug molecules are nonprotonated (MCZ

). Conversely, at pH < 6.5="" the="" majority="" are="" protonated="" and="" carry="" a="" positive="" charge="">
+). Our earlier work suggesting that MCZ

is required for direct lethal action was tested further. In support of such a requirement, we established a minimal lethal concentration of MCZ

(i.e. 5×10
–6 M) that was relatively independent of pH, MCZ concentration, and MCZ


MCZH
+ ratio.
Key words antifungal imidazoles - miconazole -
Candida albicans