A Review on Antifungal Drugs and their Therapeutic Uses.

Abstract

Fungal infections have become a significant global health concern, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. Effective antifungal therapy is crucial for managing these infections, yet treatment options remain limited due to toxicity, resistance, and host-pathogen similarities. This review provides a comprehensive overview of antifungal drugs, categorized based on their mechanisms of action, and presents their biological uses in a tabular format for clarity. The major classes discussed include polyenes, azoles, echinocandins, allylamines, pyrimidine analogs, and mitotic inhibitors. Each class targets key fungal structures such as the cell membrane, cell wall, or nucleic acid synthesis, ensuring broad-spectrum efficacy against pathogenic fungi. Additionally, the review highlights the clinical applications of these agents, including their role in treating systemic and superficial infections. By consolidating this information in a structured format, this paper aims to facilitate a clearer understanding of antifungal pharmacotherapy, aiding researchers and clinicians in selecting appropriate treatment strategies while addressing emerging challenges such as drug resistance.