Pronunciation: [ˈamfə͡ʊtɹˌɪsɪn bˈiː] (IPA) 
Amphotericin B is a medication used to treat various fungal infections. It is spelled "æmˌfoʊˈtɛr ɪ sɪn B" in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "æm", is pronounced like "am" in "jam". The second syllable, "foʊ", is pronounced like "fow" in "cow". The third and fourth syllables, "ˈtɛr" and "ɪ", are pronounced like "ter" and "i" in "terrific". The last syllable, "sɪn", is pronounced like "sin" in "spin".
Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal medication commonly used to treat serious and potentially life-threatening fungal infections. Classified as a polyene macrolide antibiotic, it is derived from the bacterium Streptomyces nodosus. Amphotericin B possesses distinctive properties that make it effective against a wide range of fungal pathogens, including those causing systemic mycoses.
This medication works by binding to ergosterol, a component of the fungal cell membrane, which leads to the formation of membrane pores. These pores disrupt the integrity of the fungal cell membrane, causing leakage of ions and intracellular components, ultimately leading to cell death. As amphotericin B is not selectively toxic to fungi, it can also exhibit some toxicity to mammalian cells.
Typically administered via injection, amphotericin B is primarily used to treat invasive fungal infections, such as invasive aspergillosis, candidiasis, cryptococcosis, and mucormycosis. It may be used as a first-line treatment for severe cases or when other antifungal medications are ineffective or contraindicated.
Amphotericin B is known for its potent antifungal activity but is also associated with several adverse effects. These include fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, kidney toxicity, and infusion-related reactions. Due to the potential for nephrotoxicity, concomitant hydration and close monitoring of renal function are often necessary during treatment.
In summary, amphotericin B is a powerful antifungal agent used to combat serious fungal infections, working by disrupting the fungal cell membrane. While it exhibits broad-spectrum efficacy, it also poses a risk of toxicity to mammalian cells, particularly the kidneys.
The word "Amphotericin" is derived from the Greek words "amphi", meaning "both" or "on both sides", and "therikē", meaning "medical treatment" or "healing". The suffix "in" indicates that it is a drug.
The letter "B" in "Amphotericin B" signifies a specific variation or formulation of Amphotericin, which was developed as an improvement over the original Amphotericin A.
