Antifungals in Clinical Use and the Pipeline

Over the past 15  years, there has been an increase in the development and utilization of newer antifungal agents. The ideal antifungal, however, in regard to spectrum of activity, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties, development of resistance, safety, and drug interaction profile remains elusive. This artic le reviews pharmacologic aspects of Food and Drug Administration–approved polyenes, flucytosine, azoles, and echinocandins as well as promising pipeline antifungal agents. Unique properties of these newer agents are highlighted. The clinical role of established and investigational antifungal agent s as treatment and/or prevention of invasive fungal infections is discussed.
Source: Infectious Diseases Clinics of North America - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Source Type: research