Fluconazole is an antifungal medication that belongs to the triazole class of drugs. It primarily works by inhibiting the fungal enzyme lanosterol 14α-demethylase, which is involved in converting lanosterol to ergosterol—a crucial component of the fungal cell membrane. By inhibiting this enzyme, fluconazole disrupts the production of ergosterol, leading to increased cell membrane permeability and ultimately causing cell death.
Antifungal Spectrum:
Fluconazole is effective against a broad range of fungi, including:
Yeasts: Such as Candida species (including Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida parapsilosis).
Dermatophytes: Such as Trichophyton species.
Dimorphic fungi: Such as Histoplasma capsulatum and Coccidioides immitis.
Other pathogenic fungi: Such as Cryptococcus neoformans and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.
