title: Update on new antifungal therapy.
abstract: Increases in rates as well as morbidity and mortality associated with fungal infections have necessitated the need for additional antifungal agents. Recent research has resulted in the introduction of 3 new antifungal agents: micafungin, anidulafungin, and posaconazole. Micafungin and anidulafungin, both potent inhibitor of 1,3-beta-D-glucan synthase, are the second and third available agents in the echinocandins class that are available in clinical practice. Posaconazale, a potent inhibitor of ergosterol synthesis, is a new agent in the triazole class that has shown promising clinical efficacy in the treatment and prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections due to Candida as well as molds. This article reviews the clinical efficacy as well as the approved uses and dosages associated with the use of these new antifungal agents. Other considerations, such as precautions, administration techniques, potential drug interactions, and common adverse effects associated with the use of these agents, are also reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, St Louis College of Pharmacy, 4588 Parkview Place, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. pjuang@stlcop.edu
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Juang
mesh_terms: D000077612:Anidulafungin; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003422:Critical Care; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017277:Drug Approval; D004347:Drug Interactions; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D054714:Echinocandins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D055666:Lipopeptides; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077551:Micafungin; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D018579:Patient Selection; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014230:Triazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D054714:Echinocandins; D055666:Lipopeptides; D008074:Lipoproteins; D014230:Triazoles; C101425:posaconazole; D000077612:Anidulafungin; D000077551:Micafungin