An update on the use of antifungal agents.
We summarize here data regarding the spectrum of action, the pharmacological aspects, the toxicological aspects and the clinical efficacy of liposomal amphotericin B, amphotericin B in colloidal dispersion, amphotericin B lipid complex, voriconazole and caspofungin. We discuss the use of these more recently introduced antifungal agents in terms of their safety, efficiency and cost. We also offer suggestions for the clinical use of these drugs in pulmonary and systemic infections, with an emphasis on the lower toxicity of the lipid formulations of amphotericin B in comparison with conventional medications. In addition, we explore the possibility of using voriconazole as the primary treatment for invasive infections such as aspergillosis, as well as those caused by Scedosporium spp. and Fusarium spp., together with that of using caspofungin to treat disseminated candidiasis and invasive aspergillosis.
Martinez
Roberto
R
Department of Clinical Medicine, Tropical and Infectious Diseases Division, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. rmartine@fmrp.usp.br
D000666:Amphotericin B / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077336:Caspofungin; D054714:Echinocandins; D006801:Humans; D055666:Lipopeptides; D008172:Lung Diseases, Fungal / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010456:Peptides, Cyclic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014230:Triazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D065819:Voriconazole
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D054714:Echinocandins; D055666:Lipopeptides; D010456:Peptides, Cyclic; D011743:Pyrimidines; D014230:Triazoles; D000666:Amphotericin B; D000077336:Caspofungin; D065819:Voriconazole