What drug class is effective against fungal infections?

The drug class that is effective against fungal infections is antifungals. Antifungal medications specifically target fungi and their associated diseases, utilizing mechanisms that disrupt the cell membrane or cell wall of the fungi, inhibiting their growth or leading to their death.

This class includes various types of medications, such as azoles (like fluconazole), echinocandins (like caspofungin), and polyenes (like amphotericin B). These antifungal agents are crucial in treating infections caused by fungi, ranging from superficial skin infections to more severe systemic diseases.

In contrast, antivirals are intended for viral infections, antibacterials are aimed at bacterial infections, and antipyretics are used to reduce fever but do not have any effect on infectious agents like fungi. Thus, antifungals are distinctly suited for addressing fungal pathogens, making them the correct choice for managing fungal infections.