Systemic Anti-Fungal Drugs are medicines taken by mouth or by injection to
treat infections caused by a fungus.
Anti Fungal Drugs Definition
Anti fungal drugs are pharmaceutical
formulations used for fungal treatment. Fungal infections like athlete's
foot, ringworm, yeast infection, candidiasis (thrush), and other serious
systemic infections like cryptococcal meningitis etc. are treated with anti
fungal drugs. Systemic Anti-Fungal Drugs, such as Fluconazole, Itraconazole,
Ketoconazole, and Miconazole are available only by prescription. They are
available in tablet, capsule, liquid, and injectable forms. However,
over-the-counter anti fungal medications like those for topical application
(anti fungal cream, anti fungal ointment, anti fungal lotion) can be bought
without a prescription by doctor.
Anti Fungal Drugs Mechanism of Action
Antifungal drugs work by
recognizing differences between human cells and fungal cells and kills the
fungal organism or fungi without affecting the human body. Both fungi and
humans are categorized as eukaryotes ( as against the bacteria that are
prokaryotes). As such, the molecular make up of fungi and human cells are
almost similar. This makes it difficult to design and manufacture anti
fungal drugs that can kill the fungi without having dangerous effect on
human cells. This is the reason why it is always advised to use only those
anti fungal drugs that are prescribed by doctor. An anti fungal drug that is
not made properly can produce mild to life threatening side effects if not
used properly as directed by the physician.
Anti Fungal Drug Classes
Although there are three main marketed
drug classes of antifungals- Polyenes, Azoles, and Echinocandins- other
classes are also there.
- Polyenes (bind ergosterol)
- Azoles (inhibit ergosterol synthesis)
- Echinocandins (inhibit glucan synthase)
- Allylamines (inhibit squalene epoxidase)
- Nikkomycins (chitin synthesis inhibitors)
- Sodarins (inhibit protein synthesis)
- N-Myristoyl transferase inhibitors
- Sphingolipid synthesis inhibitors
Related Articles
Common Antifungal Drugs
Antifungal Cream and Fungal
Infection