Amphotericin B
Why in News
A structurally modified antifungal agent has shown reduced toxicity in mice and in human kidney cells while retaining its antimicrobial properties.
The advance could increase the clinical effectiveness and safety of such treatments in fighting deadly fungal infections.
What is Amphotericin B (AmB)
Amphotericin B (AmB) is a broad-spectrum antifungal medication used to treat a variety of serious fungal infections.
It is a polyene antibiotic that works by binding to ergosterol, a component of the fungal cell membrane.
This binding creates pores in the cell membrane, which allows ions and other molecules to leak out, leading to cell death.
AmB is a very effective antifungal medication, but it is also very toxic.
The most common side effects of AmB are infusion-related reactions, such as chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, and hypotension.
More serious side effects can include nephrotoxicity (kidney damage), hepatotoxicity (liver damage), and bone marrow suppression.
COMMENTS