Lecture Notes: Antifungal Medications

Introduction

• Instructor: Nurse Mike from SimpleNursing.com
• Platform: SimpleNursing app with NCLEX practice questions, video rationales, study guides, and cheat sheets.
• Purpose: To prepare nursing students for NCLEX exams.

Antifungal Medications

Overview

• Antifungals, or antifungus, are primarily used to treat candida fungal infections.
• Common types end in "nasal," e.g., fluconazole, ketoconazole.

Key Points

• Nasals for Nail Fungus: Treat nail and skin candida fungal infections.
  • Duration: 2-6 weeks.
  • Toxicity: Very liver toxic.
• Not for C. Diff: Does not treat C. diff infections.
  • Mnemonic: Nasal treats nail fungus.
  • Sound-alike Warning: "Nazle is not a Dazzle."

Metronidazole (Flagyl)

• Purpose: Treats C. diff infections.
• Mnemonic: "Nothing dazzling about C. diff."

Amphotericin B

• Use: For serious fungal infections.
• Side Effects: Causes serious side effects.
  • Renal Injury: Major concern.
  • Indicators of Kidney Issues:
    • Creatinine over 1.3 indicates potential kidney problems.
    • Urine output of 30 mLs/hr or less suggests kidneys are in distress.
    • Oliguria: Another term for low urine output.

Conclusion

• Focus on understanding the specific uses and side effects of antifungal medications.
• Pay attention to sound-alike drug names to avoid confusion.
• Remember key indicators of adverse effects, especially those affecting the kidneys.