RVS Chaitanya koppala
Assistant professor,
lovely professional university
ANTIFUNGAL
AGENTS
ANTIFUNGAL AGENTS
• common in Diabetes Mellitus, Cancer, AIDS,
Pregnancy and in patients on
immunosuppressive therapy such as
prolonged course of corticosteriods, broad
spectrum antibiotics, anticancer drugs, etc.
• Treatment of fungal infections is somewhat
difficult than bacterial infection because of
various factors.
Antifungal Drugs
• Fungal infectious occur due to :
• 1- Abuse of broad spectrum antibiotics
• 2- Decrease in the patient immunity
FUNGAL INFECTIONS/CAUSATIVE
ORGANISMS
SUPERFICIAL MYCOSIS
• Dermatophytes
• Epidermophyton
• Trichophyton
• Microsporum
• Candida
• Malassezia Furfur
DEEP MYCOSIS
• Asperigillus
• Blastomyces
• Cryptococcus
• Coccidioides
• Candida
• Histoplasma
• Mucormycosis
• Sporotrichosis
Types of fungal infections
• 1. Superficial : Affect skin – mucous
membrane.e.g.
• Tinea versicolor
• Dermatophytes : Fungi that affect keratin
layer of skin, hair, nail.e.g.tinea pedis ,ring
worm infection
• Candidiasis : Yeast-like, oral thrush, vulvo-
vaginitis , nail infections.
2- Deep infections
• Affect internal organs as :
lung
heart
brain
endocarditis
meningitis.
1. ANTIBIOTICS
A)Polyenes: amphotericin B, Nystatin, Hamycin,
Natamycin
B)Heterocyclic Benzofuran: Griseofulvin
2. Antimetabolite: Flucytosine (5-FC)
3. Azoles:
A)Imidazoles (topical): Clotrimazole, Econazole,
Miconazole, Oxiconazole.
Systemic: ketoconazole.
B)Trizoles (systemic): Fluconazole, Itraconazole,
Voriconazole.
Classification of Antifungal Drugs
4. Allylamine: Terbinafine
5. Other topical agents: Tolnaftate
Undecylenic acid
Benzoic acid
Quiniodochlor
Ciclopirox olamine
Butenafine
Sodium thiosulfate.
Classification According to Route of
Administration
• Systemic :
• Griseofulvin , Amphotericin- B , Ketoconazole , Fluconazole ,
Terbinafine.
• Topical
• In candidiasis :
• Imidazoles : Ketoconazole , Miconazole.
• Triazoles : Terconazole.
• Polyene macrolides : Nystatin , Amphotericin-B
• Gentian violet : Has antifungal & antibacterial.
Amphotericin B
• Amphotericin A & B are antifungal antibiotics.
• Amphotericin A is not used clinically.
• It is a natural polyene macrolide
• (polyene = many double bonds )
• (macrolide = containing a large lactone ring )
Pharmacokinetics
• Poorly absorbed orally, is effective for fungal
infection of gastrointestinal tract.
• For systemic infections given as slow I.V.I.
• Highly bound to plasma protein .
• Poorly crossing BBB.
• Metabolized in liver
• Excreted slowly in urine over a period of several
days.
• Half-life 15 days.
Mechanism of action
• It is a selective fungicidal drug.
• Disrupt fungal cell membrane by binding to
ergosterol , so alters the permeability of the cell
membrane leading to leakage of intracellular ions &
macromolecules ( cell death ).
Resistance to Amphotericin B
• If ergosterol binding is impaired either by :
• Decreasing the membrane concentration of
ergosterol.
• Or by modyfing the sterol target molecule.
Adverse Effects
• 1- Immediate reactions ( Infusion –related toxicity ).
• Fever, muscle spasm, vomiting ,headache, hypotension.
• Can be avoided by :
• A. Slowing the infusion
• B. Decreasing the daily dose
• C. Premedication with antipyretics, antihistamincs or
corticosteroids.
Slower toxicity
• Most serious is renal toxicity (nearly in all
patients ).
• Hypokalemia
• Hypomagnesaemia
• Impaired liver functions
• Thrombocytopenia
• Anemia
Clinical uses
• Has a broad spectrum of activity
• Fungicidal action.
• The drug of choice for life-threatening mycotic infections.
• For induction regimen for serious fungal infection.
• Also, for chronic therapy & preventive therapy of relapse.
• In cancer patients with neutropenia who remain febrile on
broad –spectrum antibiotics.
Routes of Administration
• 1- Slow I.V.I. For systemic fungal disease.
• 2- Intrathecal for fungal C.N.S. infections.
• Topical drops & direct subconjunctival injection for
Mycotic corneal ulcers & keratitis.
• 3- Local injection into the joint in fungal arthritis.
• 4- Bladder irrigation in Candiduria.
Liposomal preparations of
amphotericin B
• Amphotericin B is packaged in a lipid- associated
delivery system to reduce binding to human cell
membrane , so reducing :
• A. Nephrotoxicity
• B. Infusion toxicity
• Also, more effective
• More expensive
Azoles
• A group of synthetic fungistatic agents with a broad
spectrum of activity .
• They have
antibacterial
antiprotozoal
anthelminthic
antifungal activity .
Mechanism of Action
• 1-Inhibit the fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme, (α-
demethylase) which is responsible for converting
lanosterol to ergosterol ( the main sterol in fungal
cell membrane ).
• 2- Inhibition of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase
leading to accumulation of peroxides that cause
autodigestion of the fungus.
• 3- Imidazoles may alter RNA& DNA metabolism.
Azoles
• They are antibacterial , antiprotozoal, anthelminthic
& antifungal.
• They are fungistatic agents.
• They are classified into :
Imidazole group
Triazole group
Imidazoles
• Ketoconazole
• Miconazole
• Clotrimazole
• They lack selectivity ,they inhibit human gonadal
and steroid synthesis leading to decrease
testosterone & cortisol production.
• Also, inhibit human P-450 hepatic enzyme.
Ketoconazole
• Well absorbed orally .
• Bioavailability is decreased with antacids, H2
blockers , proton pump inhibitors & food .
• Cola drinks improve absorption in patients with
achlorhydria.
• Half-life increases with the dose , it is (7-8 hrs).
• Inactivated in liver & excreted in bile (feces ) &
urine.
• Does not cross BBB.
Clinical uses Adverse effects
• Used topically or
systematic (oral route
only ) to treat :
• 1- Oral & vaginal
candidiasis.
• 2- Dermatophytosis.
• 3- Systemic mycoses &
mucocutaneous
candidiasis.
• Nausea, vomiting
,anorexia
• Hepatotoxic
• Inhibits human P 450
enzymes
• Inhibits adrenal &
gonadal steroids leading
to :
• Menstrual irregularities
• Loss of libido
• Impotence
• Gynaecomastia in males
Triazoles
• Fluconazole
• Itraconazole
• Voriconazole
• They are :
• Selective
• Resistant to degradation
• Causing less endocrine disturbance
Fluconazole
• Water soluble, Completely absorbed from GIT
• Excellent bioavailability after oral administration
• Bioavailability is not affected by food or gastric PH
• Conc. in plasma is same by oral or IV route
• Penetrates well BBB so, it is the drug of choice of
cryptococcal meningitis
• Safely given in patients receiving bone marrow
transplants (reducing fungal infections)
• Excreted mainly through kidney
• Half-life 25-30 hours
• Resistance is not a problem
Clinical uses
• Candidiasis
• ( is effective in all forms
of mucocutaneous
candidiasis)
• Cryptococcus meningitis
• Histoplasmosis,
blastomycosis, , ring
worm.
• Not effective in
aspergillosis
Side effects
• Nausea, vomiting,
headache, skin rash ,
diarrhea, abdominal pain ,
reversible alopecia.
• Hepatic failure may lead to
death
• Highly teratogenic ( as
other azoles)
• Inhibit P450 cytochrome
• No endocrine side effects
Flucytosine (5-FC)
• Converted within the fungal cell to 5-
fluorouracil( Not in human cell ), that inhibits
thymidylate synthetase enzyme that inhibits DNA
synthesis.
• ( Amphotericin B increases cell permeability ,
allowing more 5-FC to penetrate the cell, they are
synergistic).
Griseofulvin
• Fungistatic, has a narrow spectrum
• Given orally (Absorption increases with fatty meal )
• Half-life 24 hours
• Taken selectively by newly formed skin &
concentrated in the keratin.
• Induces cytochrome P450 enzymes
• Should be given for 2-6weeks for skin & hair
infections to allow replacement of infected keratin
by the resistant structure
Griseofulvin(cont.)
• Inhibits fungal mitosis by interfering with microtubule
function
• Used to treat dermatophyte infections ( ring worm of skin,
hair, nails ).
• Highly effective in athlete,
s foot.
• Ineffective topically.
• Not effective in subcutaneous or deep mycosis.
• Adverse effects ;
• Peripheral neuritis, mental confusion, fatigue, vertigo,GIT
upset,enzyme inducer, blurred vision.
• Increases alcohol intoxication.
Antifungal Drugs Used For Topical Fungal
Infections
• 1. Topical azole derivatives
• 2. Nystatin& Amphotericin
• 3. Terbinafine
• 4. Tolnaftate
• 5. Naftifine
• 6. Griseofulvin
THANK YOU

Antifungal agents

  • 1.
    RVS Chaitanya koppala Assistantprofessor, lovely professional university ANTIFUNGAL AGENTS
  • 2.
    ANTIFUNGAL AGENTS • commonin Diabetes Mellitus, Cancer, AIDS, Pregnancy and in patients on immunosuppressive therapy such as prolonged course of corticosteriods, broad spectrum antibiotics, anticancer drugs, etc. • Treatment of fungal infections is somewhat difficult than bacterial infection because of various factors.
  • 3.
    Antifungal Drugs • Fungalinfectious occur due to : • 1- Abuse of broad spectrum antibiotics • 2- Decrease in the patient immunity
  • 4.
    FUNGAL INFECTIONS/CAUSATIVE ORGANISMS SUPERFICIAL MYCOSIS •Dermatophytes • Epidermophyton • Trichophyton • Microsporum • Candida • Malassezia Furfur DEEP MYCOSIS • Asperigillus • Blastomyces • Cryptococcus • Coccidioides • Candida • Histoplasma • Mucormycosis • Sporotrichosis
  • 5.
    Types of fungalinfections • 1. Superficial : Affect skin – mucous membrane.e.g. • Tinea versicolor • Dermatophytes : Fungi that affect keratin layer of skin, hair, nail.e.g.tinea pedis ,ring worm infection • Candidiasis : Yeast-like, oral thrush, vulvo- vaginitis , nail infections.
  • 6.
    2- Deep infections •Affect internal organs as : lung heart brain endocarditis meningitis.
  • 7.
    1. ANTIBIOTICS A)Polyenes: amphotericinB, Nystatin, Hamycin, Natamycin B)Heterocyclic Benzofuran: Griseofulvin 2. Antimetabolite: Flucytosine (5-FC) 3. Azoles: A)Imidazoles (topical): Clotrimazole, Econazole, Miconazole, Oxiconazole. Systemic: ketoconazole. B)Trizoles (systemic): Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Voriconazole. Classification of Antifungal Drugs
  • 8.
    4. Allylamine: Terbinafine 5.Other topical agents: Tolnaftate Undecylenic acid Benzoic acid Quiniodochlor Ciclopirox olamine Butenafine Sodium thiosulfate.
  • 10.
    Classification According toRoute of Administration • Systemic : • Griseofulvin , Amphotericin- B , Ketoconazole , Fluconazole , Terbinafine. • Topical • In candidiasis : • Imidazoles : Ketoconazole , Miconazole. • Triazoles : Terconazole. • Polyene macrolides : Nystatin , Amphotericin-B • Gentian violet : Has antifungal & antibacterial.
  • 12.
    Amphotericin B • AmphotericinA & B are antifungal antibiotics. • Amphotericin A is not used clinically. • It is a natural polyene macrolide • (polyene = many double bonds ) • (macrolide = containing a large lactone ring )
  • 13.
    Pharmacokinetics • Poorly absorbedorally, is effective for fungal infection of gastrointestinal tract. • For systemic infections given as slow I.V.I. • Highly bound to plasma protein . • Poorly crossing BBB. • Metabolized in liver • Excreted slowly in urine over a period of several days. • Half-life 15 days.
  • 14.
    Mechanism of action •It is a selective fungicidal drug. • Disrupt fungal cell membrane by binding to ergosterol , so alters the permeability of the cell membrane leading to leakage of intracellular ions & macromolecules ( cell death ).
  • 18.
    Resistance to AmphotericinB • If ergosterol binding is impaired either by : • Decreasing the membrane concentration of ergosterol. • Or by modyfing the sterol target molecule.
  • 19.
    Adverse Effects • 1-Immediate reactions ( Infusion –related toxicity ). • Fever, muscle spasm, vomiting ,headache, hypotension. • Can be avoided by : • A. Slowing the infusion • B. Decreasing the daily dose • C. Premedication with antipyretics, antihistamincs or corticosteroids.
  • 20.
    Slower toxicity • Mostserious is renal toxicity (nearly in all patients ). • Hypokalemia • Hypomagnesaemia • Impaired liver functions • Thrombocytopenia • Anemia
  • 21.
    Clinical uses • Hasa broad spectrum of activity • Fungicidal action. • The drug of choice for life-threatening mycotic infections. • For induction regimen for serious fungal infection. • Also, for chronic therapy & preventive therapy of relapse. • In cancer patients with neutropenia who remain febrile on broad –spectrum antibiotics.
  • 22.
    Routes of Administration •1- Slow I.V.I. For systemic fungal disease. • 2- Intrathecal for fungal C.N.S. infections. • Topical drops & direct subconjunctival injection for Mycotic corneal ulcers & keratitis. • 3- Local injection into the joint in fungal arthritis. • 4- Bladder irrigation in Candiduria.
  • 23.
    Liposomal preparations of amphotericinB • Amphotericin B is packaged in a lipid- associated delivery system to reduce binding to human cell membrane , so reducing : • A. Nephrotoxicity • B. Infusion toxicity • Also, more effective • More expensive
  • 24.
    Azoles • A groupof synthetic fungistatic agents with a broad spectrum of activity . • They have antibacterial antiprotozoal anthelminthic antifungal activity .
  • 26.
    Mechanism of Action •1-Inhibit the fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme, (α- demethylase) which is responsible for converting lanosterol to ergosterol ( the main sterol in fungal cell membrane ). • 2- Inhibition of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase leading to accumulation of peroxides that cause autodigestion of the fungus. • 3- Imidazoles may alter RNA& DNA metabolism.
  • 27.
    Azoles • They areantibacterial , antiprotozoal, anthelminthic & antifungal. • They are fungistatic agents. • They are classified into : Imidazole group Triazole group
  • 28.
    Imidazoles • Ketoconazole • Miconazole •Clotrimazole • They lack selectivity ,they inhibit human gonadal and steroid synthesis leading to decrease testosterone & cortisol production. • Also, inhibit human P-450 hepatic enzyme.
  • 29.
    Ketoconazole • Well absorbedorally . • Bioavailability is decreased with antacids, H2 blockers , proton pump inhibitors & food . • Cola drinks improve absorption in patients with achlorhydria. • Half-life increases with the dose , it is (7-8 hrs). • Inactivated in liver & excreted in bile (feces ) & urine. • Does not cross BBB.
  • 30.
    Clinical uses Adverseeffects • Used topically or systematic (oral route only ) to treat : • 1- Oral & vaginal candidiasis. • 2- Dermatophytosis. • 3- Systemic mycoses & mucocutaneous candidiasis. • Nausea, vomiting ,anorexia • Hepatotoxic • Inhibits human P 450 enzymes • Inhibits adrenal & gonadal steroids leading to : • Menstrual irregularities • Loss of libido • Impotence • Gynaecomastia in males
  • 31.
    Triazoles • Fluconazole • Itraconazole •Voriconazole • They are : • Selective • Resistant to degradation • Causing less endocrine disturbance
  • 32.
    Fluconazole • Water soluble,Completely absorbed from GIT • Excellent bioavailability after oral administration • Bioavailability is not affected by food or gastric PH • Conc. in plasma is same by oral or IV route • Penetrates well BBB so, it is the drug of choice of cryptococcal meningitis • Safely given in patients receiving bone marrow transplants (reducing fungal infections) • Excreted mainly through kidney • Half-life 25-30 hours • Resistance is not a problem
  • 33.
    Clinical uses • Candidiasis •( is effective in all forms of mucocutaneous candidiasis) • Cryptococcus meningitis • Histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, , ring worm. • Not effective in aspergillosis Side effects • Nausea, vomiting, headache, skin rash , diarrhea, abdominal pain , reversible alopecia. • Hepatic failure may lead to death • Highly teratogenic ( as other azoles) • Inhibit P450 cytochrome • No endocrine side effects
  • 34.
    Flucytosine (5-FC) • Convertedwithin the fungal cell to 5- fluorouracil( Not in human cell ), that inhibits thymidylate synthetase enzyme that inhibits DNA synthesis. • ( Amphotericin B increases cell permeability , allowing more 5-FC to penetrate the cell, they are synergistic).
  • 35.
    Griseofulvin • Fungistatic, hasa narrow spectrum • Given orally (Absorption increases with fatty meal ) • Half-life 24 hours • Taken selectively by newly formed skin & concentrated in the keratin. • Induces cytochrome P450 enzymes • Should be given for 2-6weeks for skin & hair infections to allow replacement of infected keratin by the resistant structure
  • 36.
    Griseofulvin(cont.) • Inhibits fungalmitosis by interfering with microtubule function • Used to treat dermatophyte infections ( ring worm of skin, hair, nails ). • Highly effective in athlete, s foot. • Ineffective topically. • Not effective in subcutaneous or deep mycosis. • Adverse effects ; • Peripheral neuritis, mental confusion, fatigue, vertigo,GIT upset,enzyme inducer, blurred vision. • Increases alcohol intoxication.
  • 37.
    Antifungal Drugs UsedFor Topical Fungal Infections • 1. Topical azole derivatives • 2. Nystatin& Amphotericin • 3. Terbinafine • 4. Tolnaftate • 5. Naftifine • 6. Griseofulvin
  • 39.