Antifungal agents are medications that inhibit fungal growth or kill fungi. They treat infections of the skin, nails, hair, mucous membranes, and systemic organs.
Routes of Administration
- Topical (creams, ointments, shampoos) – for superficial infections
- Oral – for extensive or resistant skin/nail infections
- Intravenous – for severe systemic mycoses
Mechanisms of Action
- Inhibit ergosterol synthesis (azoles, allylamines) – disrupts fungal cell membrane
- Bind ergosterol (polyenes) – creates membrane pores
- Inhibit nucleic acid synthesis (flucytosine)
- Inhibit β-glucan synthesis (echinocandins) – weakens cell wall
Common Agents
- Fluconazole – oral/IV, broad-spectrum, good CNS penetration
- Itraconazole – oral, broader mold coverage
- Terbinafine – oral/topical, first-line for dermatophytes
- Amphotericin B – IV, reserved for life-threatening infections
- Caspofungin – IV echinocandin for candidiasis/aspergillosis
Choice depends on infection site, pathogen, patient factors, and drug interactions.
