Term
What is the drug of choice for most mycoses? |
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Definition
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Term
How does Amphotericin B act against the fungal cell? |
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Definition
It binds to ergosterol in the membrane, making it more permeable. The resultant leakage of intracellular cations reduces cell viability |
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Term
What causes much of the toxicity of amphotericin B? |
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Definition
Binding to cholesterol in host cell membranes |
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Term
Why does systemic infection necessitate IV administration of amphotericin B? |
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Definition
Because oral absorption is poor |
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Term
What medications can be given ahead of amphotericin B treatment to ameliorate adverse effects? |
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Definition
Mild reaction - diphenhydramine plus and analgesic such as acetaminophen
Severe reaction - a glucocorticoid
Rigors - Meperidine or dantrolene |
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Term
How can kidney damage from amphotericin B be minimized? |
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Definition
By infusing 1L of saline on the day the amphitericin B is infused. |
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Term
Which drugs should amphotericin B NOT be combined with? |
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Definition
other nephrotoxic drugs such as aminoglycosides, cyclosporins, NSAIDs |
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Term
What does P450 inhibition, a characteristic of azole antifungals, mean? |
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Definition
they inhibit the sythesis of ergosterol, an essential component of the cell membrane. Membrane permeability increases, causing cellular components to leak out. |
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Term
What advantages does Itraconazole have over amphotericin B? |
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Definition
lower toxicity and oral dosing |
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Term
What are the adverse effects of Itraconazole? |
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Definition
cardiosuppression and liver damage |
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Term
What is the drug of choice for many superficial mycoses caused by dermatophytes and Candida species? |
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Definition
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Term
What is the preferred treatment for onychomycosis? |
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Definition
Terbinafine or itraconazole |
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Term
What agent is the preferred treatment for vulvovaginal candidiasis? |
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Definition
a single dose of fluconazole (diflucan) |
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