Which of the following characteristics applies to fluconazole?

Fluconazole is an antifungal agent that works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, a vital component of fungal cell membranes. This action directly affects the integrity of the membrane, leading to increased permeability and ultimately the death of the fungal cells. The binding to sterols in the fungal cell membrane is crucial for its antifungal activity.

The other characteristics provided in the options do not accurately represent fluconazole. For example, fluconazole is effective against a variety of fungal infections beyond just skin infections; it is commonly used to treat systemic infections as well. Although fluconazole can be administered intravenously, it is not limited to this route, as it is also available in oral form. Additionally, fluconazole is metabolized by the liver, which can affect its dosing in patients with liver impairment. Therefore, the characteristic of binding to sterols in the fungal cell membrane accurately describes fluconazole’s mechanism of action.