Itraconazole: a new triazole antifungal agent.

The azole antifungal agents represent a major advance in the management of superficial and systemic fungal infections. Itraconazole appears to have a broad spectrum of in vitro activity and is the first azole antifungal agent to have activity against Aspergillus species. Itraconazole acts primarily by impairing the synthesis of ergosterol, resulting in a defective fungal cell membrane with altered permeability and function. It is effective for a wide variety of mycotic infections and some fungal meningeal infections. Most adverse effects have been relatively minor and do not lead to discontinuation of therapy.