Which antifungal medication is typically used for treating oropharyngeal candidiasis?

Nystatin is specifically used for treating oropharyngeal candidiasis because it is a topical antifungal agent that works effectively against Candida species, which are responsible for this fungal infection. Nystatin is non-systemic, meaning it is typically administered orally as a suspension or lozenge that is swished in the mouth and then swallowed, allowing it to act directly on the affected mucosal areas in the oropharynx.

Nystatin's mode of action involves binding to sterols in the fungal cell membrane, making it permeable and leading to cell death. Its use is particularly beneficial in cases of candidiasis in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those undergoing chemotherapy, where the risk of fungal infections is heightened.

While fluconazole is also effective against oropharyngeal candidiasis and is often used for more severe or recurrent cases, it is typically considered a systemic treatment. Voriconazole and caspofungin are generally reserved for other types of fungal infections, such as aspergillosis or invasive candidiasis, and are not first-line treatments for oropharyngeal candidiasis.