Amphotericin B is best described as?

Amphotericin B is best described as?

• A. Antifungal med used to treat systemic fungal infections
• B. Antiviral drug
• C. Antibiotic for bacteria
• D. Antineoplastic agent

Answer: (A)

Amphotericin B is best described as an antifungal medication used to treat systemic fungal infections. It works by binding to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, forming pores that increase membrane permeability and cause fungal cell death. This selective action targets fungi specifically, since ergosterol is not in human cell membranes, which is why the drug is not antiviral, not an antibiotic for bacteria, and not a cancer chemotherapy agent. In clinical use, it treats severe, life‑threatening systemic mycoses, but its notable toxicity—especially to the kidneys—means patients require close monitoring and supportive measures during therapy.

Amphotericin B is best described as an antifungal medication used to treat systemic fungal infections. It works by binding to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, forming pores that increase membrane permeability and cause fungal cell death. This selective action targets fungi specifically, since ergosterol is not in human cell membranes, which is why the drug is not antiviral, not an antibiotic for bacteria, and not a cancer chemotherapy agent. In clinical use, it treats severe, life‑threatening systemic mycoses, but its notable toxicity—especially to the kidneys—means patients require close monitoring and supportive measures during therapy.