Fungal ergosterol synthesis inhibitor
- Destabilizes fungal cell membranes
- Ergosterol is fungal-specific — human membranes use cholesterol
- Blocks ergosterol synthesis — the fungal cell membrane
- Azoles are potent CYP3A4 inhibitors
- Hepatotoxicity with systemic use
Drugs with this mechanism (5)
- Clotrimazole — Topical azole antifungal; the OTC workhorse for tinea and candidiasis.
- Isavuconazole — Broad triazole antifungal for aspergillosis and mucormycosis.
- Itraconazole — Triazole antifungal; negative inotrope, strong CYP3A inhibitor.
- Ketoconazole — Topical azole antifungal; oral use is restricted but can suppress cortisol synthesis.
- Voriconazole — Triazole antifungal of choice for aspergillosis; visual and CYP effects.
All mechanisms · Open Antifungal enzyme inhibitor in the interactive console ↗