An Overview on Antifungal Therapy

Abstract

SummaryThe number of fungi causing systemic disease is growing and the number of systemic diseases caused by fungi is increasing. The currently available antifungal agents for the treatment of systemic mycoses include polyene antibiotics (Amphotericin B), fluoropyrimidine (Flu cytosine), and Nystatin andazole group of drugs (Ketoconazole, Fluconazole, and Itraconazole). Novel drug delivery systems for antifungal therapy, based on the type of formulation are classified as Liposomes Nanocochleates, Nanospheres, Carbon Nanotubes, Doubled layered Mucoadhesive Tablets, Mucoadhesive Thermo Sensitive Pronged release gels, and Parenteral Micro emulsions. Amphotericin B is the only fungicidal agent available and is the 'goldstandard' for the treatment of most of the systemic mycoses. The three currently available lipid formulations are Amphotericin B Lipid Complex (ABLC), Amphotericin B Colloidal Dispersion (ABCD) and Liposomal Amphotericin B (L-AmB). Nystatin and ketoconazole are also commercially available as liposomes. Novel Drug delivery systems for antifungal therapy, aiming at reducing the side effects and maximizing the antifungal activity have added a new dimension to the treatment of fungal infections. Without fungi we would not have bread, beer, wine or antibiotics, but more importantly without the nutrient recycling and plant nutrition provided by fungi -we probably could not survive at all.