Antifungal agents used for deep-seated mycotic infections.
The main antifungal agents used for deep-seated mycotic infections are the broad-spectrum antifungal drug amphotericin B, the narrow-spectrum agent flucytosine, and the newer broad-spectrum agents miconazole and ketoconazole. Amphotericin B remains the cornerstone of antifungal therapy. For the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis, the current recommendation is for the combined use of amphotericin B and flucytosine. 2-Hydroxystilbamidine is used only in indolent cases of blastomycosis; however, this condition is usually treated with amphotericin B. Clinical experience with the newer agents is limited. Not all patients from whom fungal agents have been isolated require treatment; the extent of the fungal infection should be determined, when possible, for evaluation of the need for treatment.
D000666:Amphotericin B / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000188:drug therapy; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D005437:Flucytosine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013266:Stilbamidines / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D007093:Imidazoles; D013266:Stilbamidines; C100274:hydroxystilbamidine; D000666:Amphotericin B; D005437:Flucytosine