Antifungal agents

Antifungal agents are medications or substances that are used to treat fungal infections. They
work by targeting specific aspects of fungal cell structure or function, inhibiting the growth and
spread of the fungus. Antifungal agents can be classified into different groups based on their
mechanisms of action. Here are some common classes of antifungal agents:
1. Azoles:
• Mechanism of Action: Inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential
component of fungal cell membranes.
• Examples: Fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, ketoconazole.
• Uses: Systemic and topical fungal infections.
2. Polyenes:
• Mechanism of Action: Bind to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, leading to
membrane disruption and cell death.
• Examples: Amphotericin B, nystatin.
• Uses: Amphotericin B is used for severe systemic fungal infections, while nystatin
is often used topically for oral and mucocutaneous infections.
3. Echinocandins:
• Mechanism of Action: Inhibit the synthesis of beta-(1,3)-D-glucan, a component
of the fungal cell wall.
• Examples: Caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin.
• Uses: Typically used for systemic fungal infections.
4. Pyrimidine Analogues:
• Mechanism of Action: Disrupt fungal nucleic acid synthesis.
• Examples: Flucytosine.
• Uses: Often used in combination with other antifungal agents for systemic fungal
infections.
5. Topical Antifungals:
• Examples: Clotrimazole, miconazole, econazole, ciclopirox.
 • Uses: Used to treat superficial fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm,
and vaginal candidiasis.
6. Griseofulvin:
• Mechanism of Action: Disrupts microtubule function, inhibiting fungal cell
division.
• Uses: Used for dermatophyte infections, particularly those affecting the skin,
hair, and nails.