Antifungal Drugs Concepts of pharmacology for USMLE/NEET/FMGE/PLAB

Antifungal Drugs Concepts of pharmacology for USMLE/NEET/FMGE/PLAB

Learn about the concept of mechanism of action of antifungal drugs. In this lecture i would be discussing about the structure of a fungus and the different drugs targeting those structures.
1. Amphotericin B -
Old mechanism - Forms pores in the fungus by acting on the cell membrane.
New mechanism - I have discussed the old mechanism in the video but the mechanism was updated recently. Currently it is believed that amphotericin B sequesters ergosterol in cell membrane like a sponge due to which cell membrane breaks. It is combined with liposomes called as liposomal amphotericin B to decreases nephrotoxicity.

2. Azoles - This class has systemic drugs like fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole (DOC for aspergillus), posaconazole etc and topical drugs like clotrimazole, miconazole, luliconazole etc. They act by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis by blocking an enzyme called as 14-alpha sterol demethylase.

3. Echinocandins - This class has drugs like caspofungin, micafungin and anidulafungin, which act by inhibiting cell wall synthesis by blocking an enzyme beta-glucan synthase.

4. Griseofulvin - It acts by blocking microtubules in fungus.

5. Terbinafine - It blocks cell wall synthesis by inhibiting an enzyme called as squalene epoxidase.

6. Tavaborole - It acts by blocking RNA synthase in the fungus

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Pharmacology for Medical Licensing Examinations