What is a potential side effect of oral antifungals?

Oral antifungals can lead to reduced liver function, which is a significant concern when prescribing these medications. Many oral antifungals are metabolized by the liver, and some can cause hepatotoxicity, resulting in elevated liver enzymes and potentially leading to liver damage. Monitoring liver function tests is therefore essential during therapy with these drugs to detect any adverse effects early on.

The other options do not typically associate with the side effects of oral antifungals. For instance, while increased appetite can occur with various medications, it is not a recognized side effect of oral antifungals. Enhanced muscle growth is not relevant to these medications, as they do not influence muscle anabolic pathways. Similarly, a higher risk of diabetes is not linked to oral antifungals, as they primarily target fungal pathogens without impacting blood glucose regulation directly. Thus, reduced liver function stands out as a crucial and well-established potential side effect necessitating careful patient monitoring.