Antifungal drugs

Antifungal Drugs

Antifungal drugs (pronunciation: an-ti-fun-gal drugs) are a type of medication specifically designed to treat fungal infections. These drugs work by exploiting differences between mammalian and fungal cells to kill the fungal organism without dangerous effects on the host.

Etymology

The term "antifungal" is derived from the English prefix "anti-" meaning against, and the word "fungal", which pertains to or is caused by a fungus.

Types of Antifungal Drugs

There are several types of antifungal drugs, each with their own specific uses and mechanisms of action. These include:

• Azoles: This class of antifungal drugs includes fluconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole. They work by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, a critical component of the fungal cell membrane.

• Polyenes: This group includes amphotericin B and nystatin. They work by binding to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, creating pores that cause the cell contents to leak out, leading to cell death.

• Echinocandins: This class includes caspofungin, micafungin, and anidulafungin. They inhibit the synthesis of β-glucan, a major component of the fungal cell wall.

• Allylamines: This group includes terbinafine and naftifine. They inhibit the enzyme squalene epoxidase, disrupting ergosterol synthesis.

Related Terms

• Mycosis: A disease caused by infection with a fungus.

• Candidiasis: A fungal infection caused by yeasts that belong to the genus Candida.

• Tinea: A fungal infection of the skin, also known as ringworm.

• Aspergillosis: An infection or allergic response due to the Aspergillus fungus.

• Cryptococcosis: A potentially fatal fungal disease, caused by one of two species; Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii.

This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.