Pharmacology, Toxicity, and Therapeutic Usefulness of Amphotericin B

Abstract

The polyene antibiotic, amphotericin B, has been used clinically for nearly ten years, and during this time, it has played a paramount role in the treatment of systemic fungal diseases. Recently reported studies not only have confirmed the early favorable reports but have served to define more clearly the degree of effectiveness of the drug in treatment of specific fungal infections. In addition, certain aspects of the pharmacological and toxic properties of the drug have been explained. Drug Preparations Amphotericin B is available in two types of preparations, one which forms a microcrystalline suspension and the other which forms a colloidal suspension in water. Microcrystalline Preparation.— This material is marketed in two forms. The first is for topical application and includes 3% amphotericin B in appropriate vehicles to form a lotion, cream, or ointment. It has been used for topical application in superficialCandidainfections.¹The second, or oral