Antifungal medications and treatment

Drugs that kill fungi (yeast). Antifungal medications are available for topical or systemic treatment. Some fungal infections require both. Antifungal medications work through various mechanisms to interfere with the ability of fungi to survive or reproduce. Broadspectrum antifungal medications are effective for treating a variety of fungal infections; narrow-spectrum antifungals are effective in treating specific fungal infections.

Topical preparations may be lotions, creams, ointments, sprays, powders, or suppositories. Oral preparations may be tablets and liquids to swallow. Oral preparations to treat fungal infections involving the MOUTH (THRUSH) may be liquids to swish around the mouth or tablets (troche or lozenge) to allow to dissolve in the mouth. A variety of topical antifungal medications is available as over-the-counter products that do not require a doctor’s prescription. These products are to treat common fungal and yeast infections such as vaginal CANDIDIASIS and athlete’s foot and jock itch (TINEA INFECTIONS).

Topical antifungal preparations may cause irritation to the SKIN or mucous membranes, though this is uncommon. Systemic antifungal medications may interact with other medications and have possible side effects that vary with the DRUG. It is important to tell the doctor or pharmacist of all health conditions and medications taken to treat them, including OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) DRUGS and herbal products, to minimize the risk for ADVERSE REACTION and DRUG INTERACTION.

See also ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATIONS; ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS; FUNGUS; INFECTION.

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