antifungal agent
(redirected from antimycotic agent)Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Encyclopedia.
Related to antimycotic agent: Polyene antibiotics
antifungal agent
see ANTIMICROBIAL AGENT.Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005
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.
Millodot: Dictionary of Optometry and Visual Science, 7th edition. © 2009 Butterworth-Heinemann