Azole Meaning and Definition
Azole
Pronunciation
/əˈzoʊli/
Part of Speech
Term
Definition
An antifungal class of azole drugs used in the treatment of various fungal infections, including aspergillosis, candidiasis, and histoplasmosis.
Etymology
The term ‘azole’ originates from the azepine ring structure present in these compounds, with the first azole antifungal agent, clotrimazole, introduced in the 1960s.
Examples
- The doctor prescribed an azole medication to treat the patient’s fungal infection.
- Azoles are commonly used in combination with other antifungal agents to treat severe fungal infections.
Synonyms
- Antifungal
- Imidazole
Antonyms
- Antibacterial
- Antiviral
Usage Notes
Azoles are typically used orally or vaginally to treat various fungal infections, and their efficacy may depend on the specific type and severity of the infection.
Cultural References
Azoles have been mentioned in several medical and scientific publications, but there are no notable cultural references beyond these sources.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- The use of azoles is a crucial step in managing fungal infections.
Related Words or Phrases
- Antimycotics
- Fungal infections
- Antifungal resistance
Collocations
- Azole medication
- Fungal infection treatment
- Antifungal therapy
Frequency of Use
The term ‘azole’ is commonly used in medical and scientific contexts, but its frequency in everyday language is relatively low.
Common Misspellings
Azole is often misspelled as ‘azole’, ‘azoles’, or ‘zole’.
Additional Information
Azoles are typically effective against a wide range of fungal pathogens, including Aspergillus, Candida, and Histoplasma species. However, resistance to azole medications has become a growing concern in recent years.
The development of azole-resistant fungal strains has led to the exploration of new antifungal agents and combination therapies. For example, combination therapy with azoles and echinocandins has shown promise in treating severe fungal infections.
Azoles may also interact with other medications, including certain antibiotics and antivirals, and patients should consult their healthcare provider before taking azole medications.