Amphotericin B is a polyene antifungal antibiotic from Streptomyces sp. It has a high affinity for sterols,primarily ergosterols, of fungal and bacterial cell membranes.After binding to sterols, it forms channels in the membranes, causing small molecules to leak out.Amphotericin B is effective against fungi and yeast.The name of the drug is derived from the amphoteric behavior of the drug, due to the carboxyl group on the main ring and a primary amino group on the mycosamine ring. Amphotericin B induces K+ leakage, which is separate from its lethal action, as was demonstrated in human erythrocytes and is due to the inhibitory effect on the Na+/K+ pump.At sub-lethal concentrations, this drug stimulates either the activity of some membrane enzymes or cellular metabolism,in particular stimulation of some cells of the immune system.
Storage: 2-8C