- 24 Mar, 2021
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Antimicrobial drugs
Antimicrobial drugs are medicines use to treat a microbial infection which can be grouped according to the microorganisms they act primarily against such as antibiotics, antifungals, antiprotozoal, and antiviral drugs (OMICS International, 2018). Selecting the right antimicrobial based on the causative pathogen is valuable in order to manage the patient’s condition effectively and prevent adverse drug reaction such as drug toxicity and antimicrobial resistance. Conditions caused by pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites require different type of drugs to treat and inhibit the progression of the threatening organism. Identifying the various categories of antimicrobial agents will help in choosing the right drug to target the source of infectious disorder.
Antifungal agents are also called antimycotic agents that destroy or inactivate fungi and are used to treat fungal infections including yeast infections (Drugs.com, 2018). Antifungal drugs can be prescribed for conditions from mild skin or mucosal diseases producing unusual patches, rashes or redness including illnesses involving the lungs such as the flu or tuberculosis and up to severe conditions like fungal meningitis or bloodstream infections. The types of drugs of antifungal drugs are azole, echinocandins, polyenes, and other miscellaneous antifungals (Drugs.com, 2018). Common side effects of antifungal drugs depending on the type of drug used are rash, redness, itching, burning, abdominal discomfort or diarrhea (NHSChoices, 2017). Depending on the patient’s clinical condition together with the location, source, and severity of the infection, antifungal drugs are usually given as topical, orally or by intravenous route.