Overview of Antifungal Medications

Sep 18, 2024

Lecture Notes: Antifungal Medications

Introduction

  • Presented by Nurse Mike from SimpleNursing.com
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Antifungal Medications

  • Purpose: Used to treat candida fungal infections.

Types of Antifungals

  1. Nasal Ending Antifungals

    • Examples: Fluconazole, Ketoconazole
    • Usage: Treat nail and skin candida fungal infections
    • Key Point:
      • 'Nasal' for nail fungus
      • Does not treat C. diff infections
  2. Dazzle Ending Antifungals

    • Example: Metronidazole (Flagyl)
    • Usage: Treats C. diff bacterial infections
    • Key Point: Remember, 'dazzle' treats gut infections and differentiates from 'nasal'

Important Considerations

  • Nasal Antifungals

    • Duration: Taken for 2 to 6 weeks
    • Toxicity: Very liver toxic
    • Not effective for C. diff bacterial infections
  • Amphotericin B

    • Usage: For serious fungal infections
    • Adverse Effects: Renal injury is significant
    • Indicators of Renal Injury:
      • Creatinine over 1.3: Indicates poor kidney function
      • Urine output of 30 mL/hour or less: Signals kidney distress
      • Oliguria: Low urine output

Exam Preparation Tips

  • NCLEX tips for recognizing antifungal medications and their side effects
  • Remember sound-alike names and their correct usage to avoid confusion

Note: Be sure to review the critical adverse effects of antifungals like Amphotericin B on the renal system as both HESI and ATI exams focus on this area.


For more detailed study resources, consider accessing the SimpleNursing.com platform.