The triazole antifungal agents: a review of itraconazole and fluconazole.
Fluconazole and itraconazole are two investigational triazole antifungal agents that are currently undergoing clinical trials in the United States. Both are active orally, have favorable pharmacokinetics (i.e., good bioavailability, long half-life, low plasma protein binding), and possess activity against several systemic fungal pathogens. In addition, preliminary information suggests that these agents are substantially less toxic than currently available azole compounds. Fluconazole and, to a lesser degree, itraconazole have been shown to be highly effective for the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis. The potential for drug interactions is much lower with these agents compared to drugs such as ketoconazole.
Bailey
E M
EM
Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48202.
Krakovsky
D J
DJ
Rybak
M J
MJ
D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001230:Aspergillus / Q000187:drug effects; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003455:Cryptococcus neoformans / Q000187:drug effects; D015725:Fluconazole / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D017964:Itraconazole; D007654:Ketoconazole / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D017964:Itraconazole; D015725:Fluconazole; D007654:Ketoconazole