antifungal agent (redirected from antimycotic agent)

antifungal agent 

Any substance which destroys or prevents the growth of fungi. It is one of the antibiotic groups. There are several classes of antifungal drugs: Polyenes, which cause an increase in fungal cell wall permeability leading to its death. Examples: amphotericin B, natamycin, nystatin. Azoles, which act either by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, a component of fungal cell wall or by causing direct wall damage. Examples: clotrimazole, econazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole. Pyrimidines, which interfere with the normal function of fungal cells. Example: flucytosine. Syn antimycotic agent.