What precaution should be taken before starting antifungal therapy?

Before starting antifungal therapy, it is essential to perform a liver function test. Antifungal medications, particularly those in the azole class (such as fluconazole and itraconazole), can have hepatotoxic effects. Evaluating liver function ensures that the patient’s liver is capable of metabolizing the drug safely and minimizes the risk of liver damage during therapy.

While monitoring complete blood counts, checking for allergic reactions, and evaluating kidney function are certainly important steps in assessing overall health, the liver's role in metabolizing many antifungal agents makes a liver function test particularly important prior to initiating treatment. This precaution helps to prevent potential complications related to liver toxicity during antifungal therapy.