Antifungal agent

Antifungal agent is a type of pharmaceutical drug that is used to prevent and treat fungal infections. These agents work by exploiting differences between mammalian and fungal cells to kill the fungal organism without dangerous effects on the host.

Types of Antifungal Agents

There are several types of antifungal agents, including polyenes, azoles, echinocandins, and allylamines. Each of these types works in a different way to inhibit the growth of fungi.

Polyenes

Polyenes work by binding to ergosterol, a component of the fungal cell membrane. When the polyene binds to ergosterol, it forms a pore in the membrane that causes ions and other molecules to leak out. This results in the death of the fungal cell. Examples of polyenes include amphotericin B and nystatin.

Azoles

Azoles inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol, disrupting the integrity of the fungal cell membrane. Examples of azoles include fluconazole, ketoconazole, and itraconazole.

Echinocandins

Echinocandins inhibit the synthesis of glucan in the fungal cell wall, causing it to weaken and rupture. Examples of echinocandins include caspofungin, micafungin, and anidulafungin.

Allylamines

Allylamines inhibit the enzyme squalene epoxidase, which is important in the synthesis of ergosterol. This results in a deficiency of ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane and an accumulation of squalene, which is toxic to the fungal cell. An example of an allylamine is terbinafine.

Uses of Antifungal Agents

Antifungal agents are used to treat a variety of fungal infections, including candidiasis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, and dermatophytosis. They are also used prophylactically in patients at high risk of developing fungal infections, such as those with HIV/AIDS, those undergoing chemotherapy, and those taking immunosuppressive drugs.

Side Effects and Risks

Like all drugs, antifungal agents can have side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and liver damage. In rare cases, they can cause serious side effects such as anaphylaxis and hepatotoxicity.

See Also

• Antibacterial agent
• Antiviral agent
• Antiparasitic agent