Amphotericin B is the wonder of today’s pharmacology science: persisting usage over seventh decades

Abstract: Despite several topical and systemic antifungal drugs are used for the treatment of fungal infection, Amphotericin B (AmB) is still one of the most common first-line choices in systemic fungal infection for over seventh decades from discovery. Amphotericin B which is belonged to the polyene group has a wide spectrum in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity. Its mechanism of antifungal action is representing by pore-forming in the fungal plasma membrane leading to cell death. In addition to the old formula of Deoxycholate Amphotericin B (D-AmB), three lipid formulas were developed to limit the adverse effects of conventional AmB (D-AmB) in the human body and increase its therapeutic activity. All of the known available formulas of AmB are administrated via intravenous injection to treat severe systemic fungal infections, while the development of the topical formula of AmB is still under preliminary development. Numerous pharmaceutical formulas of systemic and topical applications with clinical uses of AmB in just humans, not in vitro or animals model, against various fungal infections are discussed in this review. Topical AmB formulas are a promising way to develop effective management and to reduce the adverse effects of intravenous formulas of AmB without laboratory restricted monitoring. The wonderful pharmacological properties of AmB as a rare resistance although prolonged used for about seventh decades may help researchers to apply these unique features on other various antimicrobial agents by more understanding about AmB mechanisms of actions.