What is the only FDA approved topical antifungal agent?

What is the only FDA approved topical antifungal agent?

• A. Ketoconazole
• B. Griseofulvin
• C. Natamycin
• D. Terbinafine

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that FDA approvals are specific to a drug’s formulation and route of administration. Natamycin is approved by the FDA specifically for topical ophthalmic use to treat fungal infections of the eye (fungal keratitis). It works by binding ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, creating pores and killing the organisms, and it’s designed for superficial ocular surface infections with minimal systemic absorption. Other antifungals exist in topical forms, but their FDA-approved indications are for skin or mucous membranes, not ophthalmic use, or they’re used systemically (like griseofulvin). Because of this route- and indication-specific approval, natamycin stands out as the only FDA-approved topical antifungal agent for the eye.

The key idea is that FDA approvals are specific to a drug’s formulation and route of administration. Natamycin is approved by the FDA specifically for topical ophthalmic use to treat fungal infections of the eye (fungal keratitis). It works by binding ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, creating pores and killing the organisms, and it’s designed for superficial ocular surface infections with minimal systemic absorption.

Other antifungals exist in topical forms, but their FDA-approved indications are for skin or mucous membranes, not ophthalmic use, or they’re used systemically (like griseofulvin). Because of this route- and indication-specific approval, natamycin stands out as the only FDA-approved topical antifungal agent for the eye.