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Antifungals are used to treat infections
that are caused by fungi. Fungal infections
of the body are usually treated with
topical antifungal drugs such as creams
and ointments. However, those that
occur inside the body or that do not
clear up after treatment with creams
or ointments may need to be treated
with systemic antifungal drugs. These
drugs are generally used to treat
a type of fungal infection called
candidiasis which normally occurs
in the vagina or in other parts of
the body.
Systemic antifungal drugs may also
be used to treat fungal infections
such as histoplasmosis, blastomycosis,
and aspergillosis, which can affect
the lungs and other organs. They are
sometimes used to prevent or treat
fungal infections in people whose
immune systems are weakened, such
as bone marrow or organ transplant
patients and people with AIDS.
What precautions do I need to take
for antifungals ?
Consult your physician periodically
if you are taking antifungals. Take
the dosage as prescribed by your doctor,
this may help you prevent complex
side effects.
Some people feel drowsy or dizzy
while taking systemic antifungal drugs.
Anyone who takes these drugs should
not drive, use machines or do anything
else that might be dangerous until
they have found out how the drugs
affect them.
Liver problems, stomach problems
and other problems may occur in people
who drink alcohol while taking systemic
antifungals drugs. Do not drink alcohol
or use any prescription or nonprescription
(over-the-counter) medicines that
contain alcohol while using this medicine.
(Medicines that may contain alcohol
include some cough syrups, tonics,
and elixirs). Continue to avoid alcohol
for at least a day after you stop
taking an antifungals drug.
What are the likely side effects
of antifungals ?
Systemic antifungal drugs may cause
serious and possibly life-threatening
liver damage. Patients who take these
drugs should have liver function tests
before they start taking the medicine
and as often as their physician recommends
while they are taking it.
The most common minor side effects
of systemic antifungals drugs are
constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting,
headache, drowsiness, dizziness, and
flushing of the face or skin. These
problems usually go away as the body
adjusts to the drug and do not require
medical treatment. Less common side
effects, such as menstrual problems
in women, breast enlargement in men,
and decreased sexual ability in men
also may occur and do not need medical
attention unless they do not improve
in a reasonable amount of time.
More serious side effects are not
common, but may occur which includes,
- Fever and chills
- Skin rash or itching
- High blood pressure and,
- Pain, redness, or swelling at site
of injection (for injectable miconazole).
Other rare side effects are possible.
Anyone who has unusual symptoms after
taking systemic antifungals drugs
should get in touch with his or her
physician.
What are the likely drug interactions
of antifungals ?
Serious and possibly life-threatening
side effects can result if the oral
forms of itraconazole or ketoconazole
or the injectable form of miconazole
are taken with certain drugs. Do not
take those types of systemic antifungals
with any of the following drugs unless
the physician approves the therapy:
- Astemizole
- Cisapride
- Antacids and,
- Theophylline-containing anti-wheezing
medications.
Taking an acid blocker such as cimetidine
(Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine
(Axid), omeprazole (Prilosec), or
ranitidine (Zantac) at the same time
as a systemic antifungals drug may
prevent the antifungals drug from
working properly. For best results,
take the acid blocker at least 2 hours
after taking the antifungals drug.
The drugs that may interact with systemic
antifungals drugs includes :
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Birth control pills
- Male and female hormones
- Medicine for other types of infections
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
The list above does not include every
drug that may interact with systemic
antifungals drugs. Be sure to check
with a physician or pharmacist before
combining systemic antifungals drugs
with any other medicine.
What are the drugs that come under
antifungals?
Based on your health condition your
doctor may prescribe any of the following
antifungals
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