azole drugs
Charlotte Adams
Updated on June 04, 2026
Triazole agents, which are now the most commonly used azoles, include fluconazole, itraconazole, econazole, terconazole, butoconazole, and tioconazole.
What do azole drugs target?
The target of azole antifungals is the fungal Cyp51, Lanosterol 14α-demethylase. This enzyme is a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of enzymes required for ergosterol biosynthesis in fungi.
Are azoles antibiotics?
The antifungal agents in current clinical use can be divided into the antifungal antibiotics (griseofulvin and polyenes) and a variety of synthetic agents including flucytosine, the azoles (e.g. miconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole), the allylamines (terbinafine) and
Is clotrimazole an azole?
The two subclasses of azoles are imidazoles (eg, clotrimazole, miconazole, econazole, ketoconazole) and triazoles (eg, fluconazole, itraconazole). The most common adverse effect of topical azoles is local skin and mucous membrane irritation.
What is azole therapy?
Azole antifungal agents have added greatly to the therapeutic options for treatment of systemic fungal infections. The azoles that are available for systemic use can be classified into two groups: the triazoles (fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, and isavuconazole) and the imidazoles (ketoconazole).
How do azoles affect fungi?
The azoles
The azole antifungal agents, which are further divided into the imidazoles and triazoles, according to the number of nitrogen molecules in their organic ring structure, exert their effects by binding to fungal membranes and blocking the synthesis of fungal lipids, especially ergosterol.
Why is ergosterol a good target for antifungal drugs?
Ergosterol, a 5,7-diene oxysterol, is the most abundant sterol in fungal cell membranes, where it regulates permeability and fluidity (1). Because of its crucial functions, unique structural properties, and particular biosynthetic steps, ergosterol is the target of the majority of clinically available antifungals (2).
Which antibiotics treat fungal infections?
Common names for antifungal medicines include:
clotrimazole (Canesten)econazole.miconazole.terbinafine (Lamisil)fluconazole (Diflucan)ketoconazole (Daktarin)nystatin (Nystan)amphotericin.
Is azole a steroid?
CLOTRIMAZOLE; BETAMETHASONE is a corticosteroid and antifungal cream. It treats ringworm and infections like jock itch and athlete’s foot. It also helps reduce swelling, redness, and itching caused by these infections.
Is metronidazole an azole antifungal?
Metronidazole and ketoconazole belong to different drug classes. Metronidazole is an antibiotic and ketoconazole is an azole antifungal. Brand names of Metronidazole include Flagyl and Flagyl ER.
What is an azole fungicide?
Azole fungicides are broad spectrum antifungal compounds used in agriculture and in human and veterinary medicine. The mechanism of antifungal action relies on inhibition of CYP51, resulting in inhibition of fungal cell growth. Known adverse health effects of azole fungicides are mainly linked to CYP inhibition.
Is amphotericin B an azole?
The first antifungal, amphotericin B deoxycholate, was introduced in 1958. It offers potent, broad-spectrum antifungal activity but is associated with significant renal toxicity and infusion reactions.
Which azole is most hepatotoxic?
However, histopathological changes revealed that fluconazole was the most hepatotoxic, followed by ketoconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine, and griseofulvin, respectively.
What is an azole ring?
Azoles are a class of five-membered heterocyclic compounds containing a nitrogen atom and at least one other non-carbon atom (i.e. nitrogen, sulfur, or oxygen) as part of the ring. Their names originate from the Hantzsch–Widman nomenclature.
Is azole over the counter?
Vaginal antifungal azoles are available both over-the-counter (OTC) and with your doctor’s prescription. This product is available in the following dosage forms: Cream. Suppository.