Update on drug interactions with azole antifungal agents.
OBJECTIVE
To review and update the incidence, mechanism, and clinical relevance of drug interactions with itraconazole, ketoconazole, and fluconazole.


METHODS
Literature was identified by MEDLINE search (from January 1990 to May 1997) using the name of each antifungal and the term "interaction" as MeSH headings. Abstracts were identified by literature citation and by review of Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy from 1995 to 1996.


METHODS
Randomized, controlled, double-blind studies were emphasized; however, uncontrolled studies and case reports were also included. In vitro data were selected from literature review and citations.


METHODS
Data were evaluated with respect to study design, clinical relevance, magnitude of interaction, and recommendations provided.


RESULTS
The incidence of fungal infections and consequent azole antifungal usage continues to increase. By virtue of their antifungal mechanism (i.e., inhibition of cytochrome P450 fungal enzyme systems), azoles have been investigated and implicated in several drug interactions. The magnitude of interactions can vary from trivial to potentially fatal, and also vary with specific azole and interactant.


CONCLUSIONS
The azole antifungal agents represent a commonly used class of agents with a broad range of potential interactions. Recent data have increased our understanding of drug--drug interactions with azoles. Pharmacists are in a unique position to identify these interactions and to intervene to decrease their morbidity and improve patient care.
Department of Pharmacy, Albany Medical Center, NY 12208, USA. Blomaestro@ccgateway.amc.edu
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Lomaestro
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Piatek
D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001393:Azoles / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D016239:MEDLINE; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D001393:Azoles