Fluconazole
Article Abstract:
The antifungal agent fluconazole was recently approved for oral and intravenous treatment of candidiasis or yeast infection, and cryptococcal meningitis, the inflammation of the brain and spinal cord due to infection with the cryptococcal fungus. These infections commonly occur among patients who have AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), have had organ transplants, or have cancer, because of the immune system suppression which occurs in these states. Other widely used antifungal agents, such as amphotericin B, flucytosine, and ketoconazole, have several adverse side effects. Fluconazole prevents the production of ergosterol, a major component of the fungal cell membrane, and was shown to be active against several types of infective fungi. Orally administered fluconazole is absorbed well from the gastrointestinal tract, reaching peak levels in the blood within one to two hours, and 80 percent of the oral dose is excreted unchanged in the urine. This antifungal agent distributes well into other body fluids such as the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Fifty percent of the dose of fluconazole is eliminated from the body within 30 hours, although this duration of elimination may be increased in patients with impaired kidney function. Clinical studies show that fluconazole may be more effective in treating yeast infection of the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus than ketoconazole, but the effectiveness of fluconazole in treating fungal infections of the entire body is not clear. Fluconazole is less effective but less toxic than amphotericin B with or without flucytosine in treating cryptococcal meningitis in AIDS. Thus fluconazole is recommended for long-term treatment of cryptococcosis or fungal infection in patients with suppressed immunity or natural defenses. The adverse effects, drug interactions, dosages, and cost of fluconazole are described. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1990
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Caspofungin (Cancidas) for aspergillosis
Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved Cancidas for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis, a fungal infection. It may also be effective for oral Candida infections and may be especially useful in patients who have not responded to other antifungal drugs.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2001
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Drugs for vulvovaginal candidiasis
Article Abstract:
A list of drugs for treating vaginal Candida infections is presented, along with the proper dosages. These drugs belong to a class of antifungal drugs called azoles, and many are applied topically.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2001
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