Sienilääkeryhmiä

Sienilääkeryhmiä are classifications used to categorize antifungal medications based on their chemical structure and mechanism of action. These groupings help healthcare professionals understand how different drugs work and how to best treat fungal infections.

One major group is azoles, which includes imidazoles and triazoles. These drugs inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol, a vital component of fungal cell membranes. Examples are fluconazole and itraconazole. Polyenes are another significant class, such as nystatin and amphotericin B. They bind to ergosterol, disrupting the fungal cell membrane and leading to cell death.

Echinocandins, like caspofungin, target the synthesis of glucans, which are essential for fungal cell wall integrity. This mechanism is distinct from azoles and polyenes. Allylamines, such as terbinafine, inhibit an enzyme involved in ergosterol synthesis at an earlier stage than azoles, specifically squalene epoxidase.

Other important groups include pyrimidine analogs, like flucytosine, which is incorporated into fungal RNA and DNA, interfering with protein and nucleic acid synthesis. Griseofulvin is an example of a mitosis inhibitor, disrupting fungal cell division. The choice of a specific sienilääkeryhmä depends on the type of fungus, the location and severity of the infection, and the patient's overall health.