Anti-fungal Drugs

Question 1

What are the two Polyenes commonly used?

Answer 1

Amphotericin B

Nystatin

Question 2

Amphotericin B

Answer 2

Used intra-venously for serious yeast and other fungal infections.

Is extremely toxic, with side effects including renal, hepatic and cardiac toxicity.

Question 3

Nystatin

Answer 3

Available for topical use only

Used in creams for fungal skin infections or in oral suspension.

Question 4

What are the three commonly used Azoles?

Answer 4

Fluconazole
Voriconazole
Itraconazole

Question 5

Fluconazole

Answer 5

Parental and oral use

Used to treat yeast (not filamentous fungal such as Aspergillus spp.) infection.

Question 6

Voriconazole and Itraconazole

Answer 6

Active against both yeast and filamentous fungi, including Aspergillus spp.

Question 7

What is the most commonly used Allylamine?

Answer 7

Terbinafine

Question 8

Terbinafine

Answer 8

Used for fungal infection of skin and nails.

Used topically for mild infections and orally for more serious infections.

Question 9

What are the three most commonly used Echinocandins and what do they act against?

Answer 9

Caspofungin
mycafungin
Anidulafungin

These agents are fungicidal against Candida species and inhibit the growth of several Aspergillus species.
Used for serious infections.