Antifungal Drugs

Antifungal Drugs

Fungal infections occur due to:

1-    Abuse of broad spectrum antibiotics

2-    Decrease in the patient immunity

e.g. DM, corticosteroid therapy, immunosuppressive therapy

Types of fungal infections

1. Superficial: Affect skin – mucous membrane.e.g.

·        Tinea versicolor

·        Dermatophytes : Fungi that affect keratin layer of skin, hair, nail.e.g.tinea pedis ,ring worm infection

·        Candidiasis: Yeast-like, oral thrush, vulvo-vaginitis, nail infections.

2- Deep infections

·       Affect internal organs as: lung, heart, brain leading to pneumonia, endocarditis, and meningitis.

Classification of Antifungal Drugs

1-    Antifungal Antibiotics :

·        Griseofulvin

·        Polyene macrolide : Amphotericin- B & Nystatin

2-    Synthetic :

·        Azoles :

A.  Imidazoles : Ketoconazole , Miconazole

B.    Triazoles : Fluconazole , Itraconazole

·        Flucytosine

·        Squalene epoxidase inhibitors: e.g.Terbinafine & Naftifine.