Which medications are classified as echinocandin antifungals?

Echinocandins are a class of antifungal agents that are characterized by their unique mode of action, which involves inhibiting the synthesis of β(1,3)-D-glucan, a crucial component of the fungal cell wall. This action makes them effective against certain types of fungi, particularly Candida and Aspergillus species.

Anidulafungin (sold under the brand name Eraxis) is specifically an echinocandin. Its mechanism of action helps to weaken the integrity of the fungal cell wall, leading to cell lysis and ultimately the death of the fungus. This is particularly important in clinical settings where invasive fungal infections may occur, as echinocandins are often used to treat severe infections caused by Candida or Aspergillus, making them a valuable tool in antifungal therapy.

In contrast, the other medications listed—fluconazole, terbinafine, and voriconazole—belong to different categories of antifungal agents. Fluconazole is a triazole antifungal, terbinafine is an allylamine, and voriconazole is also a triazole. Each of these has its own specific mechanism of action and spectrum of activity, which differs from that of echinocand