antibioticsbooks

Itraconazole
Itraconazole is a broader-spectrum azole than fluconazole
that could probably have a bigger place
in antifungal pharmacotherapy today if it were not
for pharmacokinetic issues that have hampered its
greater use. It has activity against Aspergillus and
other mold species and was once commonly used as
a step-down therapy in aspergillosis, but this use
has declined since voriconazole became available.
Mechanism of Action
All azoles inhibit fungal cytochrome P450 14-alpha
demethylase, inhibiting the conversion of lanosterol
into ergosterol, which is a component of the
fungal cell membrane.
Spectrum
Good: Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis,
Candida parapsilosis, Candida lusitaniae,
Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus species,
many dimorphic fungi
Moderate: Candida glabrata, Candida krusei
Poor: Zygomycetes, many other molds
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