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A local provider has written the following compounded prescription for a patient:
Zinc oxide ointment 20% 60 g
Nystatin ointment 100,000 units/g 60 g
Hydrocortisone ointment 1% 60 g
Cholestyramine powder 10 g
Mineral oil USP 10 mL
Total Weight 200 g
Which of the agents listed is an antifungal agent?
In the providedcompounded prescription, the antifungal agent isnystatin.
Nystatin is a polyene antifungalthat works by binding toergosterolin fungal cell membranes, causing leakage of cellular contents and fungal cell death.
It iscommonly used for fungal infections, particularlycutaneous or mucosal Candida infections(e.g., diaper rash, oral thrush).
A . Cholestyramine. Incorrect. Cholestyramine is abile acid sequestrantused to lowercholesteroland treatdiarrhea(often in combination with other ingredients for skin irritation or wounds).
B . Hydrocortisone. Incorrect. Hydrocortisone is acorticosteroidused to reduceinflammation and itching, but it does not kill fungi.
C . Zinc oxide. Incorrect. Zinc oxide is askin protectantused fordiaper rash and minor burns, but it is not an antifungal.
Lexicomp Drug Database -- Nystatin Mechanism of Action.
FDA Drug Label for Nystatin -- Antifungal Properties.
PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline -- Compounded Preparations and Active Ingredients.
Mosby's Pharmacy Technician: Principles and Practice -- Dermatologic Compounding.
Why Is Nystatin an Antifungal?Why the Other Answer Choices Are Incorrect:Pharmacy Technician Reference:Conclusion:Pharmacy technicians must befamiliar with drug classificationsto correctly identify active ingredients incompounded prescriptions.Nystatin is the only antifungal agentin the provided formulation.