Antifungal medicines treat fungal infections. Fungal infections can occur in soil, air, and the skin. Inhaling fungal spores may cause respiratory illness. People with weak immune systems are more susceptible to fungal infections that need antifungal medication.
What are antifungals?
Antifungals are medications that stop or kill the growth of fungi, which can cause infections. They are also known as antimycotic agents.
Fungal infections can cause:
- Circulatory system.
- Respiratory system.
- Nails and skin
What is a fungus?
Fungi can grow as yeasts or molds or a mixture of both. They reproduce by tiny spores. These spores may live in soil or can become airborne.
There are also naturally occurring fungi like Candida yeast in your body. Fungi can live on your skin and in your reproductive system.
Who is at the greatest risk of fungal infections?
A fungal infection can happen to anyone. The majority of fungi are not dangerous and can be treated quickly.
People with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to developing serious fungal infections. These infections are known as opportunistic. These infections can prove to be fatal for those who have them.
- AIDS.
- Autoimmune diseases such as Lupus.
- Cancer.
- Transplants of organs.
- Transplants of stem cells (bone marrow),
What are antifungals used for?
These fungal skin infections can be treated with antifungals
- The foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
- Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis).
- Fingernail Infection or Toenail Fungal.
- Thrush, esophageal candidiasis (yeast infection of the throat, mouth or esophagus)
- Vaginal yeast infection and Vaginal yeast infection.
Other serious fungal infections that can be treated with antifungals include:
- Aspergillosis. Pneumocystis. Valley fever.
- Candidemia (blood infection)
- Meningitis (brain infection).
- Ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (eye infection).
- Rhinosinusitis is a Sinus infection.
What is the working principle of antifungal medication?
Antifungal medications can be used to kill a fungus. They may also stop the fungus from growing or multiplying. There are many antifungal medication options and types of medications. Your healthcare provider will recommend the best prescription medication. They may also direct you to an OTC (over-the-counter) medication. There are many options:
- Fluconazole (or Diflucan(r), synthetic antifungals made by humans that prevent fungi growth, are called Azoles.
- Semi-synthetic antifungals, such as Mycamine(r), and Micafungin (r), that attack and damage the fungus walls are called Echinocandins.
- The fungus cell is destroyed by polyenes (nystatin and Bio-Statin(r),) which are organic (naturally occurring).
What are the best ways to take antifungal medication?
There are both OTC and prescription antifungal medications. Discuss your options with your healthcare provider.
Antifungals come in different forms, including:
- IV.
- Oral tablets or liquids
- Topical (skin-care) creams, ointments and gels.
- Vaginal suppositories
What length of time do you have to take antifungal medications?
The length of treatment depends on the type of fungal infection. A fungal skin infection, ringworm can be treated in as little as a week. It can take several months to get rid of a fungal nail, blood, and lung infection.
What side effects can antifungals have?
Antifungals can cause side effects that vary. The type of antifungal, the dosage (strength), and the fungus can have different results. You may experience:
- Abdominal pain. Stomach upset. Diarrhea.
- Skin rash, itching or burning sensation
Rarely antifungal drugs can cause serious side effects such as:
- Liver damage ( jaundice).
- Severe allergic reactions are similar to anaphylaxis.
- Severe allergic reactions to the skin, such as blisters or peeling skin.
Antifungal medication is not recommended for everyone.
The antifungal drug is what determines medication safety. Infants who have thrush (an oral yeast infection) infection and are breastfeeding can receive antifungal mouth drops. They also require treatment for their moms, usually with an antifungal cream. You or your child’s healthcare provider will determine if it is okay to use antifungal medication.
What is antifungal resistance?
Antifungal resistance is when a fungus does not respond to treatment. This makes it more difficult to treat fungal infections.
Certain antifungals are not effective against certain fungi. Antifungal medication can also cause fungi resistance if used for too long. Antifungal resistance can also be caused by not taking the prescribed doses, discontinuing treatment too soon, or receiving an insufficient dose.
Note from the Cleveland Clinic
Antifungal medication treats fungal infections of the skin, nails and other organs. Some fungal infections can be treated in as little as a week. Some infections may require months of treatment. Antifungal resistance may develop if you take antifungal medications for a prolonged period or fail to follow the prescribed treatment.