Fungi are primitive plants that thrive in soil, air, and water and on plants, animals and humans as well. About half of all fungi are pathogenic, and may cause infections ranging from athlete's foot and oral thrush to severe invasive infections of the heart, lungs, bloodstream and brain. Fungal infections are common in individuals with reduced immunity; candida, aspergillus, cryptococcus and pneumocystis are the most common fungal pathogens. Antifungals are the drugs of choice to treat most fungal infections.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Several antifungal drugs belonging to the azole family -- such as miconazole, ticonazole and clotrimazole -- are available in ointment and suppository form without a prescription, and can be used to treat mild skin and vaginal infections caused by fungi, especially candida. The duration of treatment ranges from 1 to 7 days, and should be used as per the instructions on the package. Side effects are uncommon, and include itching or irritation at the site of infection, cramping, headaches or skin rash. However, a study published in the April 2000 edition of the journal "Family Practice" has raised concerns about the self-misdiagnosis of vaginal infections by women, thereby leading to the inappropriate use of over-the-counter antifungal drugs.
Prescription Medications
Prescription antifungals may be required to treat mild conditions such as oral thrush and skin infections in immunocompromised individuals, and to treat invasive fungals infections such as those of bloodstream, brain, lungs and heart. Amphoterecin B, flucytosine, azole family drugs such as fluconazole, intraconazole and ketaconazole, and nystatin are some of the common prescription antifungals. The dosage, duration of therapy and mode of administration depend on the site of the infection and the condition of the patient. Gastrointestinal upset, dizziness and headache are the common side effects. However, as per the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, the use of certain antifungals such as amphoterecin B and flucytosine may cause severe, fatal effects, including bone marrow suppression, kidney damage, liver failure and visual impairment. The side effects are more severe when the drug is given intravenously.
Home Remedies
Mild fungal infections, especially of candida, can be treated by taking simple steps at home. MayoClinic.com recommends eating unsweetend yogurt and drinking juices that increase acidity, such as lemon juice and orange juice, to treat mild cases of oral thrush in otherwise healthy individuals. A study published by California Polytechnic State University in 2005 states that tea tree oil, garlic juice, grapefruit seed extract and probiotics exhibit reasonable anticandida activity, although the doses have to be higher than antifungal drugs. The side effects from these home treatments are rare.
Herbal Remedies
Several herbs, such as Coccinia adoensis, Cineraria grandiflora, Pavonia urens and Marattia fraxinea, exhibit considerable antifungal activity, according to a study published in January 2005 edition of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology." These herbs can be taken in capsule or powder form. However, most physicians do not recommend these medications as the effect of such herbs on the body is not completely known.
References
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Antifungal Drugs
- Mayo Clinic: Oral Thrush
- Comparitive Analysis Of Antifungal Activity Of Natural Remedies Versus Miconazole Nitrate Salt Against Candida albicans.
- "Family Practice"; Self-medication with vaginal antifungal drugs: physicians' experiences and women's utilization patterns; Sinikka Sihvo, et al.; April 2000
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activity of some herbal remedies from Tanzania.; de Boer HJ, et al.; January 2005
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