Paper II
2017 February (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Amphotericin B.

Q53 marksShort Notes

Answer

Amphotericin B is a polyene antifungal, considered the gold standard for severe systemic fungal infections.

Mechanism of action

  • Binds to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, forming pores/channels that increase membrane permeability, causing leakage of intracellular contents (K⁺, other ions) and fungal cell death
  • Fungicidal

Uses

  • Systemic fungal infections: cryptococcal meningitis, invasive candidiasis, aspergillosis, mucormycosis
  • Visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) — as an alternative to sodium stibogluconate

Adverse effects

  • Infusion-related reactions (“shake and bake” — fever, chills, rigors during infusion)
  • Nephrotoxicity (major dose-limiting toxicity)
  • Hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia
  • Anaemia
  • Thrombophlebitis at infusion site
  • (Liposomal formulations reduce nephrotoxicity and infusion reactions)

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