Antifungal dermatologic agents: Azoles and allylamines

A companion article discussed the pharmacology and clinical uses of the mor e traditional antifungal therapies: polyenes, griseofulvin, and iodides. Th e availability of newer antifungal drugs, which are often more efficacious with fewer side effects, has led to many safe and effective applications in the management of small animal cutaneous fungal infections. This article d escribes the pharmacokinetics, modes of action, principal adverse effects, and clinical uses of antifungal agents of the azole (triazoles, imidazoles) and allylamine (terbinafine) classes for treating cutaneous fungal disease s in small animals. Clinical experience gained with the newer antifungals w ill aid practitioners in choosing appropriate drugs from an expanded armame ntarium.