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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Broth Microdilution In Vitro Screening: An Easy and Fast Method to Detect New Antifungal Compounds
Published on: February 14, 2018
[Systemic antifungals. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics]
Mercedes Catalán1, Juan Carlos Montejo
1Servicio de Medicina Intensiva, Unidad Polivalente, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avenida de Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain. mmcges@yahoo.es
New antifungal drugs offer improved treatment options for invasive fungal infections in critically ill patients. These agents provide diverse pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are significant contributors to morbidity and mortality in critically ill, non-neutropenic patients.
- Historically, treatment options for IFIs were limited to amphotericin B and flucytosine.
- The therapeutic landscape for IFIs has expanded significantly in recent decades.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the expanded armamentarium of antifungal agents available for treating invasive fungal infections.
- To highlight the introduction of newer antifungal drugs and their characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of antifungal agents licensed in the past two decades.
- Analysis of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of available antifungal drugs.
Main Results:
- Several new antifungal agents have been licensed, including itraconazole, fluconazole, lipid formulations of amphotericin B, voriconazole, and caspofungin.
- These newer agents exhibit distinct pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties compared to older drugs.
Conclusions:
- The availability of novel antifungal agents has broadened treatment options for IFIs.
- Understanding the differing pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles is crucial for optimizing therapy in critically ill patients.
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