Antifungals and Antivirals Flashcards
What is in the plasma membrane of fungi instead of cholesterol?
ergosterol
What are the cell wall of fungi made out of?
chitin and contain beta-glucan
What are the three types of fungi?
- mold (multicellular, branching filaments)
- yeasts (single celled, budding reproduction)
- dimorphic (switch between 2)
Which antifungal agent is used most often?
azole antifungals
Which azole antifungal has side effect that can cause visual disturbances and hallucinations?
voriconazole
What are some side effects of azole antifungals?
- QT prolongation and arrhythmias
- hepatotoxicity
- nausea, gastric intolerance
Which antifungal do you not want to prescribe if patient has renal problems?
voriconazole
Which antifungal is used to treat fungal skin or nail infections?
terbinafine
What is the mechanism of action of terbinafine?
cell membrane disruptor, stops precursor of ergosterol
What are some side effects of terbinafine?
- hepatotoxicity
- gastric intolerance
- headache
What is a broad-spectrum antifungal that exerts its action by forming a ring that punches through cell membrane?
polyenes
What are some side effects associated with polyenes?
- nephrotoxicity
- hepatotoxicity
- infusion related reaction
- electrolyte abnormalities
What is the mechanism of action for cell wall agents?
inhibit B-glucan synthesis, stopping production of B-glucan that is needed for the cell wall
what are cell wall agents typically prescribed for?
more invasive diseases such as candida and aspergillus
Which cell wall agent drug is not processed by the liver or kidneys so can be given to patients with severe problems there?
Anidulafungin
What are the side effects associated with cell wall agents?
- hepatotoxicity
- infusion reaction
Are cell wall agents able to get through biofilms?
yes
What is the mechanism of action of Oseltamivir and Zanamivir (neuraminidase inhibitors)?
Competitively inhibits neuraminidase, stopping the release of the virion from the infected cell
WHat is used for the treatment and prevention of influenza A and B?
Neuraminidase Inhibitors (Oseltamivir, Zanamivir)
What side effect does Zanamivir (neuraminidase inhibitor) cause?
bronchospasm
What neuraminidase inhibitor drug should not be used for patients with COPD and asthma?
Zanamivir (due to the bronchospasm)
What antiviral is used for treatment or prophylaxis of HSV and VZV?
narrow spectrum HHV antivirals
What class of drugs do acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir belong to?
narrow spectrum HHV antivirals
What are the side effects associated with narrow spectrum HHV antivirals?
- headache, nausea and vomiting
- nephrotoxicity
