Antifungal agents

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• Antifungal agents treat fungal infections by targeting the cell wall, cell membrane, or intracellular components to inhibit fungal growth.

Mechanisms of Action

Cell Wall-Targeting Agents

• Inhibit beta-glucan synthesis, weakening the fungal cell wall.

• Examples: Echinocandins (caspofungin, anidulafungin).

Cell Membrane-Targeting Agents

• Disrupt ergosterol synthesis, compromising membrane integrity.

• Examples:

  • Azoles: Fluconazole, Itraconazole.

  • Polyenes: Amphotericin B.

Intracellular Component-Targeting Agents

• Inhibit nucleic acid synthesis (e.g., flucytosine) or cell wall synthesis (e.g., terbinafine).

Classification of Antifungal Agents

• They can be broadly classified into two categories:

Antifungal Antibiotics

• These are naturally derived antifungal agents produced by microorganisms.

Examples include

• Amphotericin-B

• Nystatin

• Natamycin

• Griseofulvin

Synthetic Antifungal Agents

• These are chemically synthesized antifungal drugs used for various fungal infections.

Examples include:

• Clotrimazole

• Econazole

• Butoconazole

• Oxiconazole

• Tioconazole

• Miconazole*

• Ketoconazole

• Terconazole

• Itraconazole

• Fluconazole

• Naftifine hydrochloride

• Tolnaftate

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