Dorothy FarrarAntimykotika
Antifungal drugs are used to treat fungal infections. They either kill or inhibit growth. Medical applications include the treatment of vaginal, athlete’s foot and nail fungus.
What are antifungals?
Antifungal drugs are drugs used to treat infection with human pathogenic fungi . Human pathogenic fungi are organisms that are capable of causing disease in humans. There are about 120,000 species of mushrooms. Of these, only about 180 species are known that can make humans ill. Diseases in humans caused by fungi are called mycoses . Fungi are divided into the groups filamentous fungi, yeasts and molds .
Fungi prefer warm and moist places, such as the gastrointestinal tract or the genital region. As a rule, they can only become dangerous to humans if the immune system is weakened. This is the case for very young or very old people. Fungal infections also often occur after treatment with antibiotics. Antifungal drugs were first used in the 1960s. Today there are many effective drugs to fight infection.
Antifungal drugs can be used locally or systemically. The latter treatment methods are more likely to cause side effects such as headaches and nausea. Antifungal drugs should not be taken during pregnancy. The likelihood of fungal infections occurring can be reduced by leading a healthy lifestyle and strengthening the immune system.
Effect and medical application
Antimycotics are used when the human organism has been infested with fungi . These drugs can be used locally or systemically. This means that they are either used on the affected body region or act on the entire organism. Infection by the fungus candida albicans is common. The disease in this case is called candidiasis or thrush . Typically, fungi attack skin folds. The skin is weeping, itchy and slightly reddened .
In children, the infection is often on the diapers, in women under the breasts. It is also possible for the mucous membranes to be infected. Whitish, easily wipeable deposits are characteristic of the fungal attack on mucous membranes. Depending on the principle of action, the drugs are divided into killing or growth-reducing substances and broad-spectrum and narrow-gauge antimycotics.
The mode of action is based on the inhibition of the build-up of organic structure. In addition, the biosynthesis of the essential component for the cell membrane, ergosterol, is inhibited. There are also preparations that ensure the perforation of the fungal cell. As a result, the fungus loses important cell components. In addition, the fungus is weakened by inhibitory principles of action on cell wall production and DNA synthesis. Various fungal diseases such as vaginal , foot , nail or oral mucosa fungi are treated with antifungal medication.
shapes and groups
Antifungal drugs can be classified based on their chemical structure and mode of action. The choice of the appropriate antifungal drug depends on the particular pathogen and the severity and type of infection. The active ingredient terbinafine (Lamisil®, Ancotin®, Myconormin®) is often used to treat nail fungi. Yeast infections can be treated with amphotericin B (Abelcet®, AmBisone®).
The drug fluconazole (Diflucan®, Flucobeta®, Flucoderm®, Fluconazole 1A®) is also available. Fungal diseases on the skin, hair and nails can be treated with griseofulvin (Likudem M®, Griseo CT®). The active substance itraconazole (Sempera®, Canifug Itra®, Itracol HEXAL®, Siros®) can be used to treat vaginal fungi. Another frequently used active ingredient is nystatin (Adiclair®, Candio Hermal®, Lederlind®, Monronal®).
dosage
Depending on the severity and type of fungal disease, antifungal agents are given in different doses. Antifungal agents can be used externally as well as internally. For some fungal infections, a combination therapy with locally applicable ointments and tablets makes sense. This includes the treatment of vaginal thrush. Depending on the preparation, the drug must be used once or twice a day.
The antifungal drug should be used as directed. Even if the symptoms subside, the medication should be taken as discussed with the doctor. Discontinuation early can result in renewed fungal infestation. If a genital fungus is present, the sexual partner should definitely be treated, even if no symptoms are observed.
Herbal, natural and pharmaceutical alternatives
Since fungi are part of the mucous membranes of many people and often only trigger infections with a weakened immune system , natural fungal prevention is possible. A change in diet to an alkaline-excessive diet and the development of a healthy vaginal and intestinal flora with probiotics is possible and can prevent the occurrence of a fungal infection.
When infected with Candida, it is advisable to limit the consumption of sugar and isolated carbohydrates such as white flour and starches. There are also natural remedies that can help the fungal infection to subside. These include brook powder, pomegranate , garlic , coconut oil, olive leaf extracts and tea tree oil. Personal hygiene should also be taken into account. Clothing should be changed and washed regularly to counteract the growth of fungi.
Interactions and side effects
Side effects of antifungal drugs are rare but possible. In most cases, systemically effective preparations have greater side effects than locally effective alternatives. Possible side effects of medicinal fungal therapy include chills , fever , nausea , vomiting , blood count changes and headaches.
Especially when used externally, reactions such as itching, burning, dry or reddened skin can occur. Antifungal agents must not be taken in the case of allergies , severe liver diseases and during pregnancy.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.