Antifungal drug
Antifungal drug
Antifungal drugs (pronunciation: an-ti-fun-gal drugs) are a type of medication specifically designed to treat fungal infections.
Etymology
The term "antifungal" is derived from the Latin words "anti" meaning against, and "fungus" meaning mushroom.
Overview
Antifungal drugs work by exploiting differences between mammalian and fungal cells to kill the fungal organism and prevent fungal infection. They can either kill fungi directly or prevent them from growing and thriving. Antifungal drugs are used to treat a wide variety of fungal diseases, such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and thrush.
Types of Antifungal Drugs
There are several types of antifungal drugs, including:
- Polyenes: These drugs, which include amphotericin B and nystatin, bind to a component of the fungal cell membrane, causing it to become porous and leaky.
- Azoles: These drugs, including fluconazole and itraconazole, inhibit the production of a substance necessary for the fungal cell membrane to function.
- Echinocandins: These drugs, such as caspofungin, inhibit the synthesis of a component of the fungal cell wall.
- Allylamines: These drugs, including terbinafine, inhibit a step in the synthesis of the fungal cell membrane.
Side Effects
Like all medications, antifungal drugs can cause side effects. These can range from mild effects, such as nausea and diarrhea, to more serious effects, such as liver damage and allergic reactions.
Related Terms
- Mycosis: A disease caused by infection with a fungus.
- Mycology: The study of fungi.
- Pharmacology: The study of drugs and their effects on the body.
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