Paper II — 2015 February (2010 Scheme) — Q4

Paper II

2015 February (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Fluconazole

Q43 marksShort Notes★✓

Answer

Fluconazole is a triazole antifungal.

Mechanism of action

• Inhibits fungal cytochrome P450-dependent enzyme (14-α-demethylase), blocking conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol
• Ergosterol depletion disrupts fungal cell membrane integrity (fungistatic)

Pharmacokinetics

• Good oral bioavailability, good CSF penetration (useful in fungal meningitis), water-soluble (can be given IV)

Uses

• Cryptococcal meningitis
• Candidiasis (oropharyngeal, oesophageal, vaginal, systemic)
• Prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients

Adverse effects

• Hepatotoxicity
• GI upset, headache
• QT prolongation (with high doses)
• Fewer drug interactions than ketoconazole/itraconazole (still some CYP450 inhibition)

Related Concepts

1. 1Antifungal Drugs

Other Years Asked

1. 1Classify antifungal drugs. Explain the mechanism of action, uses, and adverse effects of Amphotericin B. Add a note on the various liposomal formulations of Amphotericin B (2+6+2)2025 March (Supplementary (SAY)) (2019 Scheme)Essay · 10 marks
2. 2(2024 June (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Essay · 8 marks
3. 3(2023 January (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Essay · 8 marks
4. 4A 60 years old woman with diabetes complains of thickening and yellowish discoloration of right big toe. The physician diagnosed it as onychomycosis of toe nail. What are the drugs useful in treatment of this patient. Explain the mechanism of action and adverse effects of any one drug. (2+2+2)2018 February (2010 Scheme)Essay · 6 marks
5. 5Triazole Antifungal agents.2024 March (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 4 marks
6. 6Griseofulvin2020 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
7. 7Itraconazole2018 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
8. 8Azole antifungals2023 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
9. 9Amphotericin B.2017 February (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
10. 10Amphotericin B.2025 March (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
11. 11The mechanism of action of the drug terbinafine is:2025 March (Supplementary (SAY)) (2019 Scheme)MCQ · 1 mark
12. 12Uses of azole antifungal agents2016 February (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
13. 13Two differences between ketoconazole and fluconazole2016 October (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
14. 14Amphotericin B2021 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
15. 15Griseofulvin2022 October (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
16. 16Topical antifungal agents2017 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
17. 17Dermatophytosis.2015 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
18. 18Systemic antifungal drugs2013 April (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
19. 19Topical anti fungals2014 March (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
20. 20Azole antifungals2025 March (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks
21. 21 Miconazole in candida albicans2019 February (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks
22. 22Triazole antifungal drugs2021 May (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks
23. 23Topical antifungal agents.2023 July (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.2 marks
24. 24Topical antifungal agents2024 June (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.2 marks