Which drug is an antifungal?

• A. Diphenhydramine
• B. Metacam (meloxidyl)
• C. Galliprant
• D. Miconzol 1%

Answer: (D)

Identifying an antifungal medication involves spotting a drug that treats fungal infections rather than allergies or inflammation. Miconazole is a topical antifungal commonly used for skin and ear infections caused by fungi such as Malassezia or Candida. It belongs to the azole class and works by inhibiting the fungal enzyme lanosterol 14-α-demethylase, which disrupts ergosterol synthesis essential for the fungal cell membrane. Without ergosterol, the membrane becomes unstable and the fungus cannot grow or survive, making it effective as an antifungal.

The other drugs shown are not antifungals: diphenhydramine is an antihistamine for allergic reactions, meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and grapiprant is a prostaglandin receptor antagonist used for pain and inflammation.