Cryptococcal meningitis

Severe CNS fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. Predominantly affects HIV-infected patients. Treatment is three-phase: induction with amphotericin B, consolidation and maintenance with fluconazole.

ICD-10 B45.11 drug

Also known as: Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis

Drugs used for this condition

AFluconazoleFirst line · Antifungals, triazole derivativesFirst-line for consolidation and maintenance phases of cryptococcal meningitis. Induction with amphotericin B plus flucytosine for 2 weeks. Then consolidation with fluconazole 400–800 mg/day for 8 weeks. Maintenance 200 mg/day until immune reconstitution. Excellent CNS penetration makes fluconazole the optimal choice.

How to read tiers A–F

Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit