Antifungal products 

Antifungals treat these types of fungal skin infections:

• Athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworm.

• Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis).

• Fingernail infection or toenail fungus.

• Thrush and esophageal candidiasis (yeast infection in the mouth, throat or esophagus).

• Vaginitis and vaginal yeast infection.

Antifungals also treat more dangerous fungal infections like:

• Aspergillosis, pneumocystis pneumonia and Valley fever (lung infections).

• Candidemia (blood infection).

• Meningitis (brain infection).

• Ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (eye infection).

• Rhinosinusitis (sinus infection).

Antifungal medicines can kill a fungus. Or they may stop it from multiplying or growing. There are several classes of antifungal medications and different types of medicines. Your healthcare provider will select the best prescription medicine. Or they may guide you to an effective over-the-counter (OTC) treatment. Options include:

• Azoles (fluconazole or Diflucan®), synthetic (human-made) antifungals that keep fungi from growing.

• Echinocandins (micafungin or Mycamine®), newer semi-synthetic antifungals that attack and damage the fungus wall.

• Polyenes (nystatin or Bio-Statin®), organic (naturally occurring) antifungal treatments that destroy the fungus cell.

Side effects from antifungals vary. Results depend on the type of drug, dosage (strength) and fungus. You may experience:

• Abdominal pain, upset stomach and diarrhea.

• Itchy skin, burning sensation or skin rash.

Rarely, an antifungal drug may cause serious problems like:

• Liver damage (jaundice).

• Severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis.

• Severe allergic skin reactions, such as blisters and peeling skin.