What is a common side effect of antifungal therapy?

Nausea and vomiting are recognized side effects associated with many antifungal agents. This occurs due to the gastrointestinal irritation that some antifungals can cause. The mode of action of these medications often involves significant metabolic processes that may lead to disturbances in the gastrointestinal system. For instance, drugs like azoles can disrupt normal gut flora and affect gastric motility, commonly resulting in these symptoms. Patients undergoing antifungal therapy should be monitored for gastrointestinal side effects, and supportive care may be necessary to manage these reactions effectively.

While other symptoms, such as ringing in the ears, increased appetite, or dry skin, may occur with certain medications or conditions, they are not typically associated with the majority of antifungal agents. It is important to focus on the primary side effects that are widely reported in clinical practice, which makes nausea and vomiting a common concern during antifungal treatment.