Antifungicides

Antifungicides are compounds that kill or inhibit the growth of fungi. They are used commercially in medicine to treat fungal infections, in agriculture to protect crops from fungal disease, and in various consumer products to prevent fungal contamination. Antifungal activity can be fungicidal (killing) or fungistatic (inhibiting growth).

In medicine, major classes include polyenes (eg, amphotericin B, nystatin), azoles (eg, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole), allylamines (eg, terbinafine), and echinocandins (eg, caspofungin, micafungin). Mechanisms vary: polyenes bind ergosterol and form membrane pores; azoles and allylamines disrupt ergosterol synthesis; echinocandins inhibit beta-1,3-glucan synthesis; nucleic acid synthesis inhibitors include flucytosine.

In agriculture, fungicides such as strobilurins (QoI) like azoxystrobin, azoles used as fungicides, and dithiocarbamates are common. They protect crops by different modes of action, including inhibition of respiration, sterol synthesis, or cell wall formation. Resistance can develop when target organisms mutate, increasing efflux, or adapt through metabolic bypass; resistance management strategies include rotation of chemistries and integrated pest management.

Safety and regulation vary by use. Many medical antifungals require prescription and have potential drug interactions and organ toxicity. Agricultural products are regulated for safety, environmental impact, and residue limits. Responsible use emphasizes accurate diagnosis, appropriate dosing, and monitoring for adverse effects and resistance.