Final answer:
The common topical antifungal drugs are butoconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, tioconazole, nystatin, and terbinafine. Terbinafine, an allylamine, is also used orally for nail fungus. Fluconazole is used as an oral treatment, and options like ketoconazole are available for conditions like dandruff and tinea versicolor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common topical antifungal medications include butoconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, tioconazole and nystatin, which are primarily used to treat skin and nail fungal infections such as candidiasis and dermatophytic infections like athlete's foot, ringworm, and jock itch. In addition, the oral antifungal fluconazole is sometimes prescribed. The allylamines, another class of antifungals, with terbinafine being the most commonly used, are utilized both topically and orally for various fungal infections. Antifungal drugs like these inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes. Over-the-counter options are available, but prescription-strength treatments may be necessary for more severe infections. For vaginal candidiasis, treatments during pregnancy need to be carefully considered; clotrimazole is a category B drug considered safe for use during the second and third trimesters.
Other antifungal medications include ketoconazole, which is used for tinea versicolor and dandruff, and griseofulvin for oral treatment of tineas. The imidazoles, such as miconazole and ketoconazole, disrupt ergosterol biosynthesis and are used in medical and agricultural applications to prevent mold. For systemic fungal infections, amphotericin B is used, but it comes with serious side effects like kidney toxicity.