Antifungal chemotherapy

Abstract

When the decision to treat a fungal infection is made, there are several antifungal agents available for use. AmB remains the first-line drug in the treatment of most systemic fungal infections. Miconazole should be used to treat patients who cannot tolerate AmB or who are infected with AmB-resistant organisms. Ketoconazole has a distinct advantage in that it is a relatively nontoxic oral agent and may prove very effective in treating non-life-threatening chronic fungal infections. Clinical experience with miconazole and ketoconazole is too limited at present to recommend them as first-line therapeutic agents, except in a limited number of clinical situations. 5-FC should only be used in combination with AmB to treat yeast infections.