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What factors guide antifungal selection?

Choice depends on the infection site, likely fungus, severity, and patient-specific risks.

What is a common treatment for localized athlete’s foot?

Topical clotrimazole is used for common localized dermatophyte infections such as athlete’s foot.

Why avoid unsupervised antifungal–corticosteroid skin products?

Avoid unsupervised antifungal–corticosteroid combinations; the steroid can worsen or mask a fungal skin infection.

How should nystatin oral suspension be used for oral candidiasis?

Keep the suspension in contact with the mouth as directed and complete the prescribed course, even if symptoms improve.

Why is oral nystatin not used to treat systemic mycoses?

Nystatin is minimally absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, so oral suspension is not a treatment for systemic fungal infection.

How does micafungin work?

Micafungin is an echinocandin that inhibits fungal β-glucan cell-wall synthesis.

How do polyene antifungals act?

Polyenes such as amphotericin B disrupt fungal cell membranes.

What key laboratory measures should be monitored with amphotericin B?

Monitor renal function and serum potassium and magnesium because amphotericin B can cause nephrotoxicity and electrolyte abnormalities.

What can chills during an amphotericin B infusion indicate?

Chills can occur as an infusion-related reaction; monitor for infusion reactions during treatment.

What should be considered before starting oral terbinafine for nail fungus?

Oral terbinafine treats dermatophyte onychomycosis. Confirm the diagnosis when appropriate and assess liver function before treatment.

What possible liver-injury symptoms should a patient on oral terbinafine report?

Promptly report possible liver-injury symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, persistent nausea, poor appetite, or upper-right abdominal pain.

Why is itraconazole a concern in patients with heart failure?

Itraconazole may worsen heart failure; it should not be used for onychomycosis in patients with ventricular dysfunction such as heart failure.