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Which antifungal drug is used for systemic fungal infection?

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Final answer:

Amphotericin B is commonly used for systemic fungal infections but can have serious side effects. Triazole drugs like fluconazole offer a less toxic alternative and are used for various systemic yeast infections. Allylamines such as terbinafine are typically for skin and nail infections but can have hepatotoxic effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

Systemic Fungal Infections and Antifungal Drugs

Systemic fungal infections require treatment with antifungal drugs that can work throughout the body. The drug amphotericin B is commonly used for a variety of systemic infections, including aspergillosis and systemic yeast infections. Despite its effectiveness, amphotericin B can have serious side effects, such as nephrotoxicity. Alternatives include the triazole drugs such as fluconazole, which are less toxic and can be administered orally or intravenously, commonly used against oral thrush and cryptococcal meningitis in AIDS patients. Another class of antifungal drugs, allylamines, like terbinafine, is used for skin and nail infections. However, oral treatment of terbinafine carries a risk of hepatotoxicity. For non-systemic infections, drugs like clotrimazole and miconazole are used for their effectiveness against fungal skin infections.

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