Antifungals - An Overview

Aims:

To provide an overview of antifungals relevant to pharmacists and others who prescribe antifungals
To look at the use of antifungals, their toxicities and interactions and recommendations from clinical guidelines

Length of the course:

The course is run over 1 day (typically 9.30 – 4.30)

Who should attend?

The course is aimed at pharmacists and clinicians who work with patients who are treated with antifungal drugs. The course is particularly suitable for those working in haematology, infectious diseases, respiratory medicine and transplantation.

Group size:

10-20 people

Course Content:

Introduction to Fungal Infections (1 hr: Lecture)
- A review and overview of the range of infections caused by fungi, focussing on systemic diseases. Clinical presentations, epidemiology and diagnosis of aspergillosis, candidosis, mucormycosis, cryptococcosis and various other infections will be covered.
Antifungal Guidelines (30 mins: Lecture)
- Review of the guidelines produced by various organisations, their recommendations and the part they place in treatment decisions.
Amphotericin B (30 mins: Lecture)
- Review of the mode of action, antifungal spectrum, pharmacology, toxicity, clinical use and resistance for amphotericin B and the lipid formulations.
Echinocandins (45 mins: Lecture)
- Review of the mode of action, antifungal spectrum, pharmacology, adverse events and clinical use of the echinocandins.
Azole antifungals (1 hr: Lecture)
- Review of the mode of action, antifungal spectrum, indications, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, drug interactions and resistance for the azole antifungal class.
Clinical Scenarios (1hr: Groupwork and Interactive Discussion)
- In small groups, various clinical scenarios and data will be discussed with an interactive discussion to feedback to the whole group.
Antifungal Use in Specific Clinical Areas (2 x 30 mins: Lectures)
- Two presentations by pharmacists describing their experience of dealing with antifungals in specific clinical areas.