Itraconazole: a new triazole antifungal agent

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 1994 Jun;15(6):397-410. doi: 10.1086/646938.

Abstract

The azole antifungal agents represent a major advance in the management of superficial and systemic fungal infections. Itraconazole appears to have a broad spectrum of in vitro activity and is the first azole antifungal agent to have activity against Aspergillus species. Itraconazole acts primarily by impairing the synthesis of ergosterol, resulting in a defective fungal cell membrane with altered permeability and function. It is effective for a wide variety of mycotic infections and some fungal meningeal infections. Most adverse effects have been relatively minor and do not lead to discontinuation of therapy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillosis / drug therapy
  • Blastomycosis / drug therapy
  • Candidiasis / drug therapy
  • Coccidioidomycosis / drug therapy
  • Cryptococcosis / drug therapy
  • Drug Interactions
  • Histoplasmosis / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Itraconazole / chemistry
  • Itraconazole / pharmacokinetics
  • Itraconazole / pharmacology*
  • Mycoses / drug therapy
  • Neutropenia / complications
  • Sporotrichosis / drug therapy

Substances

  • Itraconazole