What is the primary treatment for candidiasis infections?

Fluconazole is the primary treatment for candidiasis infections due to its effectiveness against Candida species, particularly Candida albicans, which is the most common pathogen involved in these infections. Fluconazole is a triazole antifungal that works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes. By disrupting ergosterol production, fluconazole increases membrane permeability and ultimately leads to cell death.

In practice, fluconazole is often preferred for its oral bioavailability, which allows for convenient outpatient management of superficial and some systemic candidiasis infections. It is typically well-tolerated and has a favorable drug interaction profile compared to other antifungal agents.

Other antifungals, such as amphotericin B, clotrimazole, and voriconazole, have their respective uses, but they are not the first-line treatment for candidiasis. Amphotericin B is generally reserved for severe systemic infections due to its toxicity and is more often used in cases of invasive candidiasis. Clotrimazole is primarily used topically for localized infections. Voriconazole is mainly effective for certain molds and is not specifically targeted for Candida infections like fluconazole is. Therefore, fluconazole stands out as the most suitable