Hubei Honest Biochemical Co., Ltd.

Product Name: Amphotericin B

Synonyms: FUNGIZONE;FUNGIZONE(R);ABELCET;AMBISOME;AMPHOTERCIN B;AMPHOTERICIN B;AMPHOTERICIN B SOLUBILIZED;AMPHOTERICIN B, SOLUBLE

CAS: 1397-89-3

MF: C47H73NO17

MW: 924.08

EINECS: 215-742-2

Pharmacology and mechanism of action Amphotericin B is a polyene macrolide antibiotic which was introduced into clinical medicine in 1955. It is primarily used for the treatment of serious systemic fungal infections. It is also used as an alternative drug for the treatment of drug resistant Leishmania. Amphotericin B is an effective drug, but its use is limited because of its toxicity. The advent of liposome encapsulated amphotericin may increase its use in multiresistant Leishmania in the future[1].

The mechanism of action of amphotericin is as yet not clear. In mycosis it binds to ergosterol present in fungal cell membranes. As a result, the drug forms pores or channels on the cell membrane which disturbs the membrane function allowing electrolytes (particularly potassium) and small molecules to leak from the cell resulting in cell death [2]. Oxidative damage to the cell may also be involved in this process [3]. Its mechanism of action in leishmaniasis may be similar to that in fungi.