THE NEW ANTIFUNGAL AZOLES - FLUCONAZOLE AND ITRACONAZOLE

The armamentarium against severe mycoses was recently enriched with th e triazole antifungals. The ease of administration and the favorable t oxicity profile, coupled with increasing evidence of therapeutic effic acy against a broad spectrum of fungal organisms, make fluconazole and itraconazole valuable agents in the management of fungal infections. Fluconazole prevents superficial and invasive mycoses in patients at r isk, and recent studies have proved its efficacy in the treatment of c andidiasis and cryptococcosis. Itraconazole has activity against Asper gillus and is useful in suppressing disseminated histoplasmosis in pat ients with AIDS. The positive impact of the new triazoles in the outco me of patients with, or at risk of, fungal infections is clearly shown from available data. Results of ongoing and future clinical trials wi ll better determine their indications and their optimal dose schedules .