Antibiotic, Antifungal, Antiviral Drugs

Itraconazole (Sporonox) is available as a capsule and two solution formulations, one for oral and one for intravenous administration. The capsule form of the drug is best absorbed in the fed state, but the oral solution is better absorbed in the fasting state, providing peak plasma concentrations that are more than 150% of those obtained with the capsule. Both the oral solution and intravenous formulation are solubilized in a 40:1 weight ratio of itraconazole hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, so that administration of 200 mg of itraconazole provides 8 g of this excipient.

Ketoconazole is an antifungal agent that impairs synthesis of ergosterol, allowing increased permeability in fungal cell membrane and leakage of cellular components. It is indicated in the treatment of susceptible systemic and cutaneous fungal infections. Topical: used for seborrheic dermatitis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea pedis, and tinea versicolor. Ketoconazole (200 mg daily) is indicated in the treatment of the following systemic fungal infections: candidiasis, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, oral thrush, candiduria, blastomycosis, coccidiomycosis, histoplasmosis, chromomycosis, and paracoccidioidomycosis.

Terbinafine is an infective / antifungal agent that inhibits squalene epoxidase, resulting in ergosterol deficiency and a corresponding accumulation of squalene within the fungal cell leading to fungal cell death. It is indicated in the treatment of onychomycosis of the toenail or fingernail caused by dermatophytes.

Econazole nitrate is a topical / antifungal agent. It increases cell membrane permeability in susceptible fungi. It is indicated in the treatment of tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea corporis (ringworm), cutaneous candidiasis, and tinea versicolor.