Antifungals Flashcards
To review the 5 major classes of antifungal drugs and their common side effects.
What do the echinocandins work on? What is their mechanism of function?
They work on the cell wall and inhibit the enzyme 1,3 D-glucan synthase.
Caspofungin and Micafungin belong to what class of antifungals?
The Echinocandins.
What side effect is associated with the echinocandins?
Flushing due to histamine release (vasodilation of superficial microvasculature).
What administrative routes can the Polyenes been given through?
- Amphotericin B can only be given through IV.
- Nystatin can be given orally and topically.
Amphotericin B
- Member of the polyenes.
- Works on most fungi.
- Binds to ergosterol and punches holes in the membrane.
- Fungicidal.
What is one side effect of Amphotericin B?
Nephrotoxicity
Nystatin
- Member of the polyenes.
- Oral and topical formulation.
- Not absorbed from the GI, it acts topically.
- No clinical side effects.
- Binds to ergosterol and punches holes in the membrane.
- Fungicidal
What are the primary substances in the fungal cell wall?
Glucan (the polysaccharide component) and chitin.
How do the allylamines function?
They block ergosterol synthesis by inhibiting squalene epoxide.
What is the main side effect of the allylamines?
Reversible agranulocytosis (neutropenia).
What are the names of two allylamines?
Fluconazole and Terbinafine
What are the two groups of azoles?
Imidazoles and Triazoles
What are two benefits of the azoles?
- Excellent oral absorption.
- Low toxicity.
Mechanism of action of the azoles?
Block ergosterol synthesis by inhibiting 14alpha demethylase.
Give an example of an antifungal anti-metabolite.
Flucytosine (5-FU)
