Question

Identify the antimetabolite drug that is having antifungal activity also.

• A. \( \text{Fluconazole} \)
• B. \( \text{Itraconazole} \)
• C. \( \text{Ketoconazole} \)
• D. \( \text{Flucytosine} \)

Hint:

Remember that flucytosine's mechanism involves interfering with nucleic acid synthesis in fungi, similar to how some antimetabolite anticancer drugs work. The "-cytosine" part might remind you of its action on nucleic acid bases.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Flucytosine (5-fluorocytosine) is an antimetabolite antifungal drug. It works by being taken up by fungal cells and converted into 5-fluorouracil, which inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis, thereby disrupting fungal cell growth. Fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole are azole antifungals that primarily inhibit ergosterol synthesis, a different mechanism of action compared to antimetabolites.