Antifungals Flashcards
Half life of Amphotericin B
15 days
Amphotericin B elimination route
urine, slowly
Amphotericin is selective for fungi because it targets this molecule
Ergosterol, a fungi cell membrane sterol not found in humans
Amphotericin B MOA
Creates larger and larger pores that disrupt membrane potential and ion balance
Describe induction therapy for Amphotericin B
Pt is started with a does of Amphotericin to aggressively attack fungal infection, and is then switched to a newer azole drug for chronic treatment or prevention
Flucytosine MOA
Taken up by fungal enzyme cytosine permease, converted into metabolites that inhibit DNA and RNA synthesis (it’s a pyrimidine analog)
Describe the toxic effects of flucytosine
Conversion to anticancer compound 5-FU can cause bone marrow toxicity with anemia
The two kinds of azoles
imidazoles and triazoles
The imidazoles
Ketoconazole, miconazole
The triazoles
Itraconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole
Imidazoles or triazoles - which have higher specificity for fungal targets?
Triazoles (thus fewer adverse effects)
Imidazole and triazole MOA
Targets fungal P450s that synthesize ergosterol
Why are azoles at high risk for interacting with other drug types?
SInce they target (fungal) P450s, there is some overlap with human P450 interaction as well
This azole has the highest propensity to inhibit mammalian P450 and isn’t used much anymore
ketoconazole
Taking these drugs with itraconazole will result in reduced bioavailability
Rifamycins (e.g., rifampin)
Itraconazole is the drug of choice to treat these fungi
Dimorphic
Azole of choice to treat Aspergillus
vorizonacole
Compare the oral bioavailability of fluconazole, ketoconazole, and itraconazole
Fluonazole high others low
This azole has the least effect on human P450 enzymes
Fluconazole