Antifungal Drugs Flashcards
What is the method by which most anti-fungal drugs work?
- what are the two outliers and what do they do?
- They produce alterations in the fungal membrane
Griseofulvin
- Mitotic Spindle Inhibitor
Flucytosine
- Antimetabolite (acts identical to 5 fluorouracile)
Why are antifungal drugs becoming increasingly important (3 reasons) ?
- There are more and more immunocompromised people
- Prescription of broad spectrum antibiotics also allows them to take over
- Use of things like catheters that can move fungus from skin into the patients blood
What are the 3 general categories of Antifungals based on what they treat?
- how are they given
- Systemic Drugs for Systemic Infections (orally or Parenteral)
- Oral Drugs for mucocutaneous infections
- Topical drugs for mucocutaneous infections
What drugs are prescribed for the majority of fugal infections?
- when is they only time you would use Flucytosine?
Majority:
- Amphotericin B
- Azoles
Flucytosine is only indicated in Cryptococcal Infections
Why does Amphotericin B cause renal toxicity?
- It acts on Ergosterols, which are similar to human sterols
- Because it binds some human sterols it can create pores in human cells too
- Exhibits most toxicity in the Kidney
What is the only administration method for Amphotericin B?
- what form is this drug put into to decrease toxicity
IV, putting it into micelles reduces toxicity
- Other forms (spheres, disks, and ribbons) have been formed but are way more expensive and only allowed for limited improvement
What are patients treated with amphotericin B given prior to treatment to reduce adverse drug effects?
- Antipyretics
- Antihistamines
- Meperidine
- Corticosteroids
Why is anemia a long term side effect of amphotericin use?
Anemia is secondary to renal damage. Kidneys produce ERYTHROPOIETIN that is needed to stimulate blood cell formation.
Azole use may result in a pro-arrthmogenic effect. Which have been indicated to produce this effect?
Fluconzazole, Posaconazole, and Voriconazole
T or F: no azole should be given during pregnancy if at all possible
True, Voriconazole and Fuconazole should especially be avoided
What unique affect sets ketoconazoles apart from the other azoles?
- Potential to cause Adrenal Insufficiency by causing adrenals to decrease corticosteriod production
What are some important Drug-Drug interactions of Voriconazole?
Cyclosporine and Tacrolimus
**This is due to its inhibitory effect on CYP3A4
If a patient has fungal meningitis which drugs would you most need to use?
Fluconazole
Voriconazole
**Both can access the CSF
What is the best azole drug that has been made thus far, and what are the 3 reasons for this?
- Penetrates into CSF
- Good oral Bioavailability
- Large Therapeutic Window
A patient has mucomycosis, what drug to you use to treat it?
Posaconazole - its the only drug with activity against this fungus