Antifungal Antiviral Flashcards
What are 3 reasons fungal infections are difficult to treat?
- They are similar to animal cells
- Slow growth rate
- Occur in poorly vascularized tissue
What are three fungal infection classes?
- Systemic
- Superficial/mucocutaneous
- Dermatomycoses
What is the term for fungal infections of systemic organs (aspergillus, blastomyces, Cryptococcus, histoplasma, coccidioises)?
Systemic mycoses
What is the term for fungal infections involving the outer layers of skin, nails, or mucous membranes
Superficial/mucocutaneous mycoces
What is one of the most common mucocutaneous mycoses?
Candidiasis of mouth (thrush), GI, vagina
What is the term for slightly deeper fungal infections of the skin, hair, or nails by dermatophytes?
Dermatomycoces
Name 3 classes of drugs for treating systemic fungal infections
- Membrane pore formers
- Ergosterol synthesis inhibitors
- DNA/RNA synthesis inhibitors
What is the prototype for Membrane Pore Formers for fungal infection treatment?
Amphotericin B
Amphotericin B is a member of what drug class?
Polyene macrolide (polyene = series of conjugated double bonds)
What is amphotericin B’s mechanism of action?
selective binding to ergosterol in fungal membrane
What is chemical quality of Amphotericin B that allows it to form membrane pores by binding to ergosterols?
Amphoteric = likes both lipid and water
What is the administration for amphotericin B?
Parenterally (other than alimentary route). Intrathecal admin (under arachnoid membrane of brain or spinal cord[internet]) for fungal meningitis
For what is amphotericin B is the DOC?
Systemic fungal infections (blastomycoces, cryptococcal, histoplasmosis)
What is the main side effect of amphotericin B
Nephrotoxicity, especially in pt with renal problems or taking other nephrotoxic drugs (aminoglycosides)
What is an azole drug?
An ergosterol synthesis inhibitor for systemic fungal infection
Can azole drugs affect cholesterol in animal cells?
Yes, but they are selective for fungal ergosterol
What was the first orally available broad spectrum antifungal drug?
Ketoconazole
Name 3 systemic azole drugs (ergosterol synthesis inhibitors).
Ketoconazole
Fluconazole
Itraconazole
What are 3 topical azole drugs (ergosterol synthesis inhibitors) one of which can also be used systemically?
Miconazole
Clotrimazole
Ketoconazole
What are 3 disadvantages of ketoconazole?
Inhibit CYP3A4 causing drug interactions
Hepatotoxicity
Gynecomastia
What is the DOC for fungal meningitis?
Fluconazole (cryptococcal meningitis)
What are other uses of fluconazole?
Candidemia (blood borne candidiasis) Vaginal candidiasis
Oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis
Prophylaxis of fungal disease in immunocompromised and transplant patients
Name a DNA/RNA synthesis inhibitor
Flucytosine
Of what is flucytosine an analogue?
Cytosine (a nucleotide)
What must happen to Flucytosine for it to be active
Must be metabolized in fungal cell to active form
What is the active form of flucytosine?
5-fluorouracil
What is the mechanism of flucytosine?
Active form 5-fluorouracil inhibits thymidylate synthesis, required for synthesis of DNA and RNA
Is flucytosine narrow spectrum or broad spectrum?
Narrow because fungus must be able to metabolize flucytosine to activate it to 5-fluorouracil
What infection can flucytosine be used for (second line)?
Cryptococcal meningitis
When is flucytosine most useful and why?
When used in combo therapy because fungi develop quick resistance
What is a side effect of flucytosine?
Bone marrow depression