Fungus are small organisms that tend to breed in very warm environments. According to MedlinePlus, fungus can cause a wide variety of infections, such as a yeast infection, athlete's foot and skin or nail infections. Its infection does not stop there, as fungus can also invade the lungs and cause a respiratory tract infection. Fortunately, azole antifungal treatments exist to stop fungal growth.
Fluconazole
MedlinePlus says that fluconazole specifically treats fungal infections of the esophagus, vagina, mouth, throat, stomach, lungs and blood. It is also used to treat meningitis (brain infection).
Fluconazole's milder side effects include headache, dizziness, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea and alterations in taste sensation. Its serious effects include abnormal bleeding or bruising, trouble swallowing, stomach pain and yellowing of the skin. Fluconazole's additional effects include fatigue and swelling of the throat, face, hands, lips or face. Seek medical attention immediately when these symptoms last for more than one week. Combining fluconazole with warfarin, midazolam, glyburide, rifampin, sotalol or valproic acid can either lead to the side effects mentioned previously or decrease fluconazole's effectiveness.
Fluconazole is a liquid or tablet typically taken once a day. The duration of treatment is dependent on the affected persons' response to the medication.
Itraconazole
Itraconazole is an antifungal drug used to treat fungal infections of the mouth, lungs, throat, toenails or fingernails, says the Drugs website. Its common side effects include constipation, diarrhea, a headache, dizziness, a runny nose, stomach pain and a skin rash. Itraconazole's serious effects include shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, pain with urination, trouble hearing and liver problems. Signs of liver problems include nausea, yellowing of the skin, clay-colored stools, a poor appetite and weakness. Seek help within one to two weeks if any of these symptoms do not disappear.
Taking itraconazole while suffering from heart or liver disease, cystic fibrosis (lung disease), kidney disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may require an alteration in its dose. Also, avoid taking itraconazole with such medicines as cisapride, pimozide, lovastatin, midozalam or quinidine as the combination may cause severe drug interactions.
Itraconazole is a liquid or tablet taken one hour prior or two hours after eating a full meal, reports the Drugs website.
Voriconazole
Voriconazole is specifically used to treat esophageal candidiasis and invasive aspergillosis, says MedlinePlus. Esophageal candidiasis is a fungus infection that leads to white patches on the mouth and throat. Invasive aspergillosis is a lung fungal infection that spreads to other organs.
Voriconazole's common side effects include blurry vision, diarrhea, vomiting, a dry mouth, flushing, light sensitivity and a headache. Voriconazole's serious effects include confusion, stomach problems, a fast heartbeat, hallucinations and chest pain. This drug also causes yellowing of the skin or eyes, trouble breathing or swallowing, a poor appetite and fatigue. Voriconazole is available as a table or oral suspension (liquid). It is typically taken every 12 hours for as long as prescribed.
