AZOLE ANTIFUNGAL LOZENGES FOR ORAL CANDIDIASIS: MECHANISM, EFFICACY, AND EMERGING RESISTANCE
Lozenges are an effective pharmaceutical form for delivering medications to treat conditions affecting the mouth and throat. These solid preparations dissolve slowly, providing both local and systemic effects. First conceptualized by James Lofthouse in 1865, lozenges have evolved into a convenient remedy for infections, coughs, and sore throats. Their advantages include prolonged drug action, ease of administration, and improved absorption, though they may cause inconsistent drug distribution and accidental swallowing. Commonly, lozenges incorporate agents such as antibiotics, antifungals, and anesthetics. Notably, miconazole and clotrimazole azole-based antifungal agents—are widely used to treat oral candidiasis, a fungal infection primarily caused by Candida albicans. Miconazole disrupts fungal cell membranes, while clotrimazole shows high efficacy in immunocompromised individuals, such as HIV patients or those undergoing chemotherapy. However, antifungal resistance is a growing concern, driven by genetic mutations, structural alterations, and increased drug efflux in fungal cells. To counteract this, researchers are exploring advanced drug delivery systems like bioadhesive lozenges, which extend drug contact time within the oral cavity, improving therapeutic outcomes while minimizing systemic exposure.
Shinde, P. P., Kale, P. A., Rajapure, K. R., Shahane, K. A. & Hase, P. P. (2026). Azole Antifungal Lozenges for Oral Candidiasis: Mechanism, Efficacy, and Emerging Resistance. International Journal of Science, Strategic Management and Technology, 02(03). https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsmt.v2i3.385
Shinde, Prajakta, et al.. "Azole Antifungal Lozenges for Oral Candidiasis: Mechanism, Efficacy, and Emerging Resistance." International Journal of Science, Strategic Management and Technology, vol. 02, no. 03, 2026, pp. . doi:https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsmt.v2i3.385.
Shinde, Prajakta,Prathmesh Kale,Kedar Rajapure,Krishna Shahane, and Prathamesh Hase. "Azole Antifungal Lozenges for Oral Candidiasis: Mechanism, Efficacy, and Emerging Resistance." International Journal of Science, Strategic Management and Technology 02, no. 03 (2026). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsmt.v2i3.385.
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