Final answer:
The common oral anti-fungal drugs include the azoles, such as fluconazole, which treats various yeast infections, and the allylamines, such as terbinafine, for skin and nail fungus. Griseofulvin is prescribed for skin, hair, and nail fungal infections, while amphotericin B can be used for serious systemic infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common Oral Anti-Fungal Drugs
Oral anti-fungal drugs are prescribed to treat various fungal infections. Most work by disrupting the cell membrane of fungi, primarily by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, which is a vital component of fungal cell membranes. One of the most well-known groups is the azoles, which includes fluconazole, an oral treatment that can be used against yeast infections, including vaginal candidiasis and systemic infections like oral thrush and cryptococcal meningitis, often found in patients with compromised immune systems such as those with AIDS. Another group, the allylamines, includes terbinafine, which is effective against nail fungus when taken orally and can also be used for skin infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm. However, the use of terbinafine may cause hepatotoxicity as a rare side effect. The drug griseofulvin is another oral medication, which is commonly prescribed for fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails. Lastly, amphotericin B, although traditionally used intravenously for serious systemic infections, can be administered orally for certain types of infection. It is a potent anti-fungal but is associated with significant side effects like nephrotoxicity.