Fungal Infections Flashcards
Characteristics of Fungi
single celled or multicellular organisims
purpose is to decompose dead organisms
humans are exposed by handling contaminated soil or inhaling spores
unaffected by most antibiotics
types of fungal infections
superficial (dermatophytic) - affect hair, skin, nails, mucous membraines //treated with topical agents
systemic affect internal organs, are less common, can be fatal in immunosuppressed clients and are treated with oral or parenteral agents
drugs for systemic mycoses
amphotercin b caspofungin fluconazole flucytosine itraconazole ketoconazole terbinafine hydrochloride voriconazole
how do drugs for systemic antifungal infections work?
by disrupting aspects of growth or metabolism
require intensive pharmacotherapy for extended periods
have little or no antibacterial activity
amphotericin b
an antifungal drug for systemic infections
binds ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, increases permeability
primary use is for severe mycosis or prophylaxis. has a wide spectrum of activity
adverse effects are fever, chills, vomiting, headache at beginning of therapy, phlebitis, nephrotoxicity, electrolyte imbalances, ototoxicity
can cause kidney damage and hearing loss
fluconazole
an antifungal agent for systemic infections
interferes with synthesis of ergosterol
primarily used to treat infections of CNS, bone, eyes, urinary tract or respiratory tract infections
**not as effective for nonalbicans candida species
adverse effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea esp. at high doeses
Therapeutic action of Azole Antifungal drugs
consist of imidazoles and triazoles - both interfere with biosynthesis of ergosterol
similar spectrum to amphotericin b but are less toxic and can be administered orally
liver toxic and counter indicated for alcoholics
can affect glycemic control in diabetic clients
drugs for superficial mycoses (superficial fungal infections)
butoconazole cidopirox olamine clotrimazone econazole fluconazole griseofulvin itraconazole ketoconazole miconazole naftifine nystatin terbinafine terconazole tolnaftate undecylenic acid
therapeutic action of drugs for superficial (fungal) infections
act by disrupting aspects of growth or metabolism
superficial mycoses generally not severe
treated with topical agents
safer than systemics
nystatin
antifungal, superficial infection fighter!!
binds sterols in the fungal cell membrane, allowing leakage of intracellular contents
primarily use to treat candida of intestines, vagina, skin and mouth
adverse effects are mild skin irritation (topical), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (oral)
antifungal therapy and dermatitis
if present, withhold drug and notify primary healthcare provider
can you use superficial antifungals intravaginally during pregnancy?
shouldn’t for trichomanas or gardnerella vaginalis…use caustiously for lactating clients
metronidazole
nonmalarial antiprotozoal agent
act as antiprotozoal drug that also has antibiotic activity against anaerobic bacteria
primarily used to treat most forms of amebiasis
adverse effects are anorexia, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, unpleasant metallic taste
nonmalarial, antiprotozoal drug therapy is contraindicated for?
clients with blood dyscrasias, active organic diseases of cns, during first month of pregnancy, alcoholics
drugs for helminthic infections
mebendazole
praziquantel
pyrantel
