What class of antifungal agents does Fluconazole belong to?

Fluconazole belongs to the azole class of antifungal agents, which are characterized by their mechanism of action that involves inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, a crucial component of fungal cell membranes. This inhibition affects the integrity and function of the cell membrane, leading to cell death or impaired function of the fungus. Azoles, including fluconazole, are effective against a variety of fungi, including Candida species and certain fungi responsible for systemic infections.

The other classes listed do not include fluconazole. Polyenes, such as amphotericin B, work by a different mechanism—binding to ergosterol and creating pores in the fungal cell membrane. Echinocandins, such as caspofungin, target the fungal cell wall synthesis and are used to treat invasive fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida and Aspergillus species. Allylamines, like terbinafine, inhibit a different enzyme in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway specifically in dermatophytes. Each of these classes has its own unique mode of action and spectrum of activity, distinguishing them from azoles like fluconazole.