Azoles (imidazoles and triazoles)

Azoles (imidazoles and triazoles)

Azoles (imidazoles and triazoles)

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Mechanism & Classes - Ergosterol Blockers

  • Inhibit fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme, lanosterol 14-α-demethylase.
  • Blocks conversion: Lanosterol $\rightarrow$ Ergosterol, a vital component of the fungal cell membrane.
  • Leads to a leaky and dysfunctional membrane.

Antifungal drug mechanisms on fungal cell

  • Classes
    • Imidazoles (generally topical): Clotrimazole, Miconazole, Ketoconazole.
    • Triazoles (generally systemic): Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Voriconazole.

⭐ All azoles inhibit human cytochrome P450 (CYP450) to some extent, creating a high risk for drug-drug interactions (e.g., increasing levels of warfarin, statins).

The Systemic Triazoles - The 'Conazole' Crew

  • Mechanism: Inhibit fungal cytochrome P450 (lanosterol 14-α-demethylase) → ↓ ergosterol synthesis → disrupts fungal cell membrane.
  • Class Side Effects: Hepatotoxicity, GI distress, rash. Potent inhibitors of human CYP450 enzymes → numerous drug-drug interactions (DDIs).
DrugPrimary UsesKey Features / Side Effects
FluconazoleCandida (not krusei), Cryptococcus neoformans.Excellent CNS penetration. Fewest DDIs in class.
ItraconazoleDimorphic fungi (Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Coccidioides), Onychomycosis.Requires acidic environment for absorption. ⚠️ Black Box Warning: Can worsen heart failure.
VoriconazoleDrug of Choice: Invasive Aspergillosis.Good CNS penetration. ⭐ Side effects: transient visual disturbances (photopsia), photosensitivity rash.
Posaconazole & IsavuconazoleBroadest spectrum: Aspergillus, Candida, and Mucorales. Prophylaxis in neutropenic patients.Posaconazole: Take with a high-fat meal. Isavuconazole: Fewer DDIs & side effects vs. Voriconazole.

Antifungal Drug Classification by Target and Mechanism

Adverse Effects & D-D-Is - The P450 Problem

  • Primary Mechanism: All azoles inhibit cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, particularly CYP3A4, reducing the metabolism of many drugs.
  • General Adverse Effects:
    • GI upset (nausea, vomiting).
    • Hepatotoxicity: ↑ LFTs. Monitor liver function. Fluconazole has the lowest risk.
  • Drug-Specific Side Effects:
    • Ketoconazole: Potent P450 inhibitor. Causes gynecomastia, ↓ libido, and menstrual irregularities by inhibiting steroid synthesis.
    • Voriconazole: Visual disturbances (blurriness, color changes), photosensitivity.
    • Itraconazole: Can exacerbate heart failure (negative inotrope).
  • Critical Drug-Drug Interactions (DDIs):
    • ↑ levels of: Warfarin, Statins (except pravastatin), Cyclosporine, Phenytoin.

Exam Favorite: Azole-induced inhibition of warfarin metabolism can lead to a supratherapeutic INR and significantly ↑ bleeding risk. Always check for this interaction.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Azoles inhibit fungal P450 (14-α-demethylase), blocking the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol and disrupting the fungal cell membrane.
  • As potent inhibitors of human CYP450 enzymes, they cause numerous significant drug-drug interactions.
  • Hepatotoxicity is a major class-wide adverse effect requiring LFT monitoring.
  • Voriconazole is the drug of choice for invasive Aspergillosis but can cause visual disturbances.
  • Fluconazole has excellent CNS penetration, making it effective for fungal meningitis.
  • Itraconazole carries a black box warning for worsening heart failure.

Practice Questions: Azoles (imidazoles and triazoles)

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 45-year-old HIV-positive male presents to his primary care physician complaining of decreased libido. He reports that he has been unable to maintain an erection for the past two weeks. He has never encountered this problem before. He was hospitalized four weeks ago for cryptococcal meningitis and has been on long-term antifungal therapy since then. His CD4 count is 400 cells/mm^3 and viral load is 5,000 copies/ml. He was previously non-compliant with HAART but since his recent infection, he has been more consistent with its use. His past medical history is also notable for hypertension, major depressive disorder, and alcohol abuse. He takes lisinopril and sertraline. His temperature is 98.6°F (37°C), blood pressure is 120/85 mmHg, pulse is 80/min, and respirations are 18/min. The physician advises the patient that side effects like decreased libido may manifest due to a drug with which of the following mechanisms of action?

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Flashcards: Azoles (imidazoles and triazoles)

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Azoles are a class of antifungals that can cause _____-toxicity

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Azoles are a class of antifungals that can cause _____-toxicity

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