Knowra Azole antifungal Azole antifungal An antifungal drug that disrupts fungal sterol synthesis, usually by inhibiting lanosterol 14α-demethylase and reducing ergosterol in the cell membrane.
Lanosterol 14α-demethylase : A fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme that catalyzes a key step in ergosterol biosynthesis. Azoles inhibit this enzyme, disrupting the sterol composition of fungal membranes.
Fluconazole : A triazole antifungal used for susceptible Candida infections and cryptococcal disease. Its oral availability and central nervous system penetration distinguish it from many other azoles.
Echinocandin : An antifungal drug class that inhibits β-1,3-D-glucan synthesis in the fungal cell wall. Echinocandins attack the cell wall rather than sterol synthesis.
Drug interaction : A change in one drug’s effects or concentration caused by another drug, food, or substance. Many azoles inhibit human drug-metabolizing enzymes and raise concentrations of coadministered medicines.
Aspergillus fumigatus : A mold that causes aspergillosis, especially in people with weakened immune defenses or chronic lung disease. Azole-resistant strains threaten treatment of invasive disease caused by this mold.
Ergosterol : The principal sterol in fungal cell membranes, where it supports membrane structure and function. Azole inhibition lowers ergosterol and causes abnormal sterol intermediates to accumulate.
Itraconazole : A triazole antifungal used for several systemic fungal infections, including histoplasmosis and blastomycosis. It covers fungi that fluconazole treats poorly, but absorption and interactions require attention.
Polyenes : An antifungal drug class that binds fungal membrane sterols and disrupts membrane function. Polyenes act directly on membrane sterols, unlike azoles, which inhibit their synthesis.
Hepatotoxicity : Liver injury caused by exposure to a drug or other chemical substance. Azole therapy can elevate liver enzymes and, rarely, cause clinically significant liver injury.
Candida auris : A yeast that can cause invasive infections and spread in healthcare settings, often with resistance to multiple antifungal drugs. Its resistance patterns can include reduced susceptibility to azoles.
Show all 27