Antifungals Flashcards
Simple organism (e.g., yeast, mold, mushrooms) that reproduces by spores
Lives in moist and dark places
Two types of fungal infections:
Superficial – e.g. skin, mucous membranes, nails, scalp
Systemic (aka “deep”) – internal organs are affected (typically spread from lungs)
Humans are fairly resistant to fungi
Most serious fungal infections occur in patients with suppressed immune defenses
Fungi
Topical solutions are most commonly recommended
Superficial therapy
Oral or IV
Fungicidal or fungistatic
Drug classes – azoles, polyenes, allylamines, antimetabolites, echinocandins
Systemic therapy
Antifungal drug that binds to fungal cell membranes, causing leakage of cellular contents
Highly nephrotoxic: monitor urine output, monitor BUN, creatinine, increase fluids, avoid concomitant nephrotoxic drugs
Most effective drug for serious systemic fungal infections
Polyenes
Ex: Amphotericin B (Amphocin)
Avoid reactions w/ polyenes like amphotericin B (Amphocin) by
pretreat 30-60 minutes before drug w/ acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, hydrocortisone
Azoles protype
fluconazole (Diflucan)
Side effects & adverse effects of fluconazole (Diflucan)
Side effects: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, some may cause sun sensitivity, rash
Adverse effects: hepatotoxicity (no alcohol), renal toxicity, hypokalemia, severe skin rashes
Fluconazole (Diflucan) __________ metabolism of a number of medications. Causing the drugs to stay in the body longer and may be associated with more side effects.
inhibits
Nursing interventions for antifungals
Advise the patient to take drugs as prescribed.
Advise the patient not to consume alcohol.
Encourage the patient to report side effects.
Monitor for allergic reaction, jaundice, heart rate and rhythm
Monitor vital signs especially with Amphotericin B
Schedule doses around meals, limit grapefruit juice with “azoles”
Use sunscreen with “azoles”
