Updates in Ocular Antifungal Pharmacotherapy: Formulation and Clinical Perspectives

AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this review, a compilation on the current antifungal pharmacotherapy is discussed, with emphases on the updates in the formulation and clinical approaches of the routinely used antifungal drugs in ocular therapy.Recent FindingsNatamycin (Natacyn ® eye drops) remains the only approved medication in the management of ocular fungal infections. This monotherapy shows therapeutic outcomes in superficial ocular fungal infections, but in case of deep-seated mycoses or endophthalmitis, successful therapeutic outcomes are infrequent, as a result of which alternative therapies are sought. In such cases, amphotericin B, azoles, and echinocandins are used off-label, either in combination with natamycin or with each other (frequently) or as standalone monotherapies, and have provided effective therapeutic outcomes.SummaryIn recent times, amphotericin B, azoles, and echinocandins have come to occupy an important niche in ocular antifungal pharmacotherapy, along with natamycin (still the preferred choice in most clinical cases), in the management of ocular fungal infections.
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research