Antifungals (polyenes)
- Bind fungal ergosterol → membrane pores
- Amphotericin B is the systemic prototype
- Nystatin is mainly topical/nonabsorbed
- Very broad activity but amphotericin is toxic
- Nephrotoxicity + electrolyte loss are classic
- Formulation greatly changes amphotericin toxicity
Class at a glance
- Bind fungal ergosterol → membrane pores
Practical pearls
- Amphotericin B is the systemic prototype
Other practical pearls
- Nystatin is mainly topical/nonabsorbed
Safety / monitoring
- Very broad activity but amphotericin is toxic
- Nephrotoxicity + electrolyte loss are classic
- Formulation greatly changes amphotericin toxicity
Self-check
- What do Antifungals (polyenes) bind?
Fungal ergosterol → membrane pores. - What changes amphotericin toxicity substantially?
Formulation.
Drugs in this class (2)
Antifungals (polyenes) prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Antifungals (1947–2026). Other local highlighted from 1947.
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