11
Antifungal agents
Learning objectives
Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to:
1.
Describe the characteristics of a fungus and a fungal infection.
2.
Discuss the therapeutic actions, indications, pharmacokinetics, contraindications, proper administration,
most common adverse reactions and important drug–drug interactions associated with systemic and
topical antifungal agents.
3.
Compare and contrast the prototype drugs for systemic and topical antifungals with the other drugs in
each class.
4.
Discuss the impact of using antifungal agents across the lifespan.
5.
Outline the care considerations for people receiving a systemic or topical antifungal.
Glossary of key terms
azoles:
a group of drugs used to treat fungal infections
Candida
:
fungus that is normally found on mucous membranes; can cause yeast infections or thrush of the GI tract and vagina in
immunosuppressed individuals
ergosterol:
steroid-type protein found in the cell membrane of fungi; similar in configuration to adrenal hormones and testosterone
fungus:
a cellular organism with a hard cell wall that contains chitin and many polysaccharides, as well as a cell membrane that
contains ergosterols
mycosis:
disease caused by a fungus
tinea:
fungus called ringworm that causes such infections as athlete’s foot, jock itch and others
Test your current knowledge of antifungal agents with a PrepU Practice Quiz!
SYSTEMIC ANTIFUNGALS
Azole antifungals
fluconazole
itraconazole
ketoconazole
posaconazole
terbinafine
voriconazole
Echinocandin antifungals
anidulafungin
caspofungin
Other antifungals
amphotericin B
flucytosine
griseofulvin
nystatin
TOPICAL ANTIFUNGALS
Azole topical antifungals
butoconazole
clotrimazole
econazole
ketoconazole
miconazole
terbinafine
Other topical antifungals
ciclopirox
tolnaftate
undecenoic acid
