student rdh pharmacology - antiviral and antifungal

what must a virus do to reproduce in it's host?

the virus must invade the cells and release its DNA

how are antiviral agents different from antifungal ?

targets a specific virus and interferes with viral replication

why are viral infections harder to treat than bacterial infections?

the virus lives inside the cells making it hard to target without harming the body

acyclovir

zovirax

what does acyclovir treat?

HSV-1 (cold sores)

HSV-2 (genital herpes)

shingles (varicella zoster)

Epstein Barr virus (mononucleosis)

docosanol

abreva

what does docosanol treat?

herpes labialis

zidovudine

retrovir

what does zidovudine treat?

HIV infections, reduces the bacterial load and slows the progression

Nystatin

Mycostatin

Nystatin: drug class

polyene antifungal

Nystatin: route of use

topical

Nystatin: dental tips

- tell patient to hold mouth rinse before spitting

- great for candidiasis and denture wearers

Clotrimazole

Mycelex

Clotrimazole: drug class

imidazole antifungal

Clotrimazole: route of use

topical

Clotrimazole: dental tips

let troche dissolve slowly

Fluconazole

Diflucan

Fluconazole: drug class

triazole antifungal

Fluconazole: route of use

systemic

Fluconazole: dental tips

- use if topical therapy fails, monitor for systemic side effects

- also used for esophageal or systemic infections

Ketoconazole: drug class

imidazole antifungal

Ketoconazole: route of use

systemic or topical

Ketoconazole: dental tips

- not the first choice

- rarely used for oral candidiasis

those using inhaled corticosteroids are at an increased risk of oral candidiasis, what tip should be given after using their inhaler?

rinse with water and spit after use

usually how long is antifungal treatment?

7-14 days

Nystatin can be delivered through rinse which can contain sugar, what can this put the patient at risk for?

caries because of oral suspension when using the rinse