Sequential prescription of antifungals in invasive fungal infection: the importance of mechanism of action

Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2008 Nov:32 Suppl 2:S133-5. doi: 10.1016/S0924-8579(08)70014-1.

Abstract

The success rate of salvage therapy in invasive fungal infection is ~50%. These results have justified the use of combinations of antifungals to improve pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic performance and to avoid clinical antagonism. This review examines the sequence of introduction of antifungal agents as a means of avoiding this antagonism. It also analyses the possible inclusion of other drugs, such as calcineurin inhibitors or iron chelators, that can boost antifungal activity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chelating Agents / pharmacology
  • Drug Antagonism
  • Drug Synergism
  • Fungi / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology
  • Mycoses / drug therapy*
  • Salvage Therapy / methods*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Chelating Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents