Anti-Fungal Drugs Flashcards
How do polyene anti-fungals work?
Polyene drugs bind to ergosterol (present in the fungal cell wall, not present in bacterial cell wall), which increases the permeability of the cell wall.
What are polyenes active against?
Both yeasts and filamentous fungi.
Why are polyenes toxic?
They bind to other sterols in mammalian cell membranes.
What is Amphotericin B used for?
Serious yeast and other fungal infections.
Is Amphotericin B toxic?
Yes, Amphotericin B is a extremely toxic drug, there are numerous side effects including renal, hepatic and even cardiac toxicity.
What is Nystatin used for?
Serious fungal infections
How is Nystatin applied?
Topically, cream (for skin infections such as in vaginal candida or in oral suspension for oral candidiasis.
How do Azoles worK?
Inhibition of ergosterol synthesis.
What type of drug is fluconazole?
It is an azole, an anti-fungal drug.
What is fluconazole used to treat?
Yeast infection, cannot treat filamentous fungal infections.
However not all yeasts are sensitive to fungal infection either.
What are voriconazole and itraconazole used to treat?
Aspergillosis species of fungi and dermatophytes
What is itraconazole active against?
Both yeasts and filamentous fungi
How do Allyamines work?
Suppress ergesterol synthesus, but at a different stage of the pathway to the azoles.
What is the allyamine that is in common use?
Terbinafine
What is terbafine used for?
Treatment of fungal infection for skin and nails. Applied topically or may be taken orally for more serious infections.
