Evaluating the Impact of Antifungal Drugs on Human Health and Exploring Alternative Treatments

Abstract

Fungi occurred naturally like Candida yeast, in the human body. It may grow on skin, inside the digestive system and vagina. Antifungal drugs are used to kill or stop this fungal growth. According to their mode of action they are divided into azoles (inhibit ergosterol synthesis), echinocandins (damage cell walls), and polyenes (destroy fungal cells) etc. Depending on the seriousness of infection and type of infection, generally antifungal drugs are administered to a body. Oral antifungals are taken by mouth for systemic infections. Topical antifungals (creams, ointments) treat localized skin and nail infections. Intravenous (IV) administration is used for severe cases. Common side effects of antifungals are yeast infection, hepatotoxicity, ringworm, nail and skin infections etc. Serious fungal infections pose a growing threat to human health specially for vulnerable patients having significant morbidity and mortality such as AIDS patients, transplant recipients, and individuals using certain medications. Some of the existing antifungal drugs, particularly azoles, are facing increasing resistance. In order to ensure successful treatment of these drug-resistant infections, there is a critical need for the development of novel antifungal agents which is very challenging. Here about the antifungals, its classification, pros and cons of using antifungal drugs, prevention and control of antifungals are discussed in detail.