Antifungal Medications

Antifungal Medications

Antifungal medications (also called “antifungals”) are pharmaceuticals created to eliminate and treat fungal infections. They work by either killing the fungus or preventing it from growing more. There are three main classes of antifungals: azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins.

Azoles are synthetic antifungals. They prevent the infection from getting worse by stopping the cells from multiplying. Polyenes break the membranes of fungal cells, eventually causing them to stop growing or reproducing. Echinocandins are semi-synthetic and work by preventing certain enzymes from growing, so cells can’t grow walls, eventually causing the infection to die out.

The type of fungus you have will often dictate which antifungal medications are right for you. There are many approaches to dealing with this type of infection, so it’s important to understand your options before using anything for treatment.

Ways to Take Antifungal Medications

Antifungal Cream

Antifungal creams are topicals you put directly on an infected area. These are best for treating acute fungal conditions, like athlete’s foot or jock itch. They may be more or less effective for certain antifungal infections. You can even find some antifungals OTC (over-the-counter). These creams are usually for more minor fungal infections. Talk with your doctor to see if topical medications are best for your situation.

Antifungal Pills

Antifungal pills are ingestible medications that deal with fungal infections from the inside out. Certain infections respond better to pills. Antifungal pills can also come with side effects, while others might interact with medications you already take.

It’s good to know what kind of fungal infection you’re dealing with to take the right medication for the job. Ask your doctor about your options and ensure you have an accurate diagnosis before taking antifungal pills.

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