Drugs » Anti-fungals

Anti-fungal Drugs

These are drugs used for superficial & deep (systemic) fungal infections.

There have been emergence of more sinister fungal infections which are to a large extent, iatrogenic. These are associated with the use of broad spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs, indwelling catheters and implants and emergence of AIDS.

As a result of breakdown of host defense mechanisms, saprophytic fungi easily invade living tissue.

Many topical antifungals have been available since the antiseptic era. Two important antibiotics are: Amphotericin B - to deal with systemic mycosis and griseofulvin - to supplement attack on dermatophytes. Flocytosine has antifungal property, but serves only as a companion drug to amphotericin. The development of imidazoles in the mid 1970s and triazoles in 1980s has been an advancement. Some new compounds like Terbinafine have been added recently.

Classifications

1. Antibiotics
   1. Polyenes: Amphotericin B, Nystatin, Hamycin, Natamycin
   2. Heterocyclic benzofuran: Griseofulvin.
2. Antimetabolite: Flucytosine 5(-FC)
3. Azoles
   1. Imidazoles (Topical): Clotrimazole, Econazole, Miconazole, Teraconazole.
      (systemic) Ketoconazole, Fluconazole, Itraconazole
4. Allylamine, Terbinafine.
5. Other topical agent: Tolnafate, Undecylenic acid, Benzoic acid, Quiniodochlor, Ciclopirox olamine, Sodium Thiosulfate.

• Anti-fungals (topical)
• Anti-fungals (systemic)