Antifungal medications

Antifungal Medications

Antifungal medications (pronunciation: an-ti-fun-gal med-i-ca-tions) are a type of pharmaceutical drug used to treat and prevent mycosis, which includes such infections as ringworm, athlete's foot, candidiasis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis.

Etymology

The term "antifungal" is derived from the Latin words 'anti' meaning 'against' and 'fungus' meaning 'mushroom'. The term "medication" comes from the Latin 'medicatio' meaning 'healing'.

Types of Antifungal Medications

There are several types of antifungal medications, including:

• Polyenes: This class of antifungal medications includes drugs like amphotericin B and nystatin. They work by binding to the fungal cell membrane and causing it to become permeable, leading to cell death.

• Azoles: This class includes drugs like fluconazole, ketoconazole, and itraconazole. They inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol, a component of the fungal cell membrane.

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

• Allylamines: This class includes drugs like terbinafine. They inhibit the enzyme squalene epoxidase, which is involved in the synthesis of ergosterol.

Side Effects

Like all medications, antifungal medications can have side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and liver damage. It's important to discuss these potential side effects with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Related Terms

• Pharmaceutical drug
• Mycosis
• Ringworm
• Athlete's foot
• Candidiasis
• Aspergillosis
• Cryptococcosis
• Polyenes
• Azoles
• Echinocandins
• Allylamines
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Liver damage
• Healthcare provider

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