Question
Consider the following statements with regard to Amphotericin B:
- It is a narrow-spectrum antifungal agent.
- It can cause nephrotoxicity.
- It lacks an oral preparation.
- Its lipid formulations are less toxic.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
| A. |
2 and 3 only |
| B. |
2, 3 and 4 |
| C. |
1, 3 and 4 |
| D. |
2 and 4 only |
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer » B Explanation |
 |
Statement 1: It is a narrow-spectrum antifungal agent.
- Incorrect.
- Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum systemic antifungal.
- It is active against Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Coccidioides, Mucor, and several other pathogenic fungi.
- It is the drug of choice for many life-threatening systemic fungal infections.
Statement 2: It can cause nephrotoxicity.
- Correct.
- Nephrotoxicity is the most important dose-limiting adverse effect.
- It may produce:
- Renal tubular acidosis
- Hypokalemia
- Hypomagnesemia
- Azotemia
Statement 3: It lacks an oral preparation.
- Correct.
- Amphotericin B is not available as an oral preparation for systemic fungal infections because it is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
- It is administered mainly by intravenous infusion, although intrathecal and topical formulations are also available. The uploaded notes describe IV and intrathecal use only.
Statement 4: Its lipid formulations are less toxic.
- Correct.
- Liposomal and other lipid formulations significantly reduce nephrotoxicity.
- The risk of nephrotoxicity decreases in the following order:
- Conventional Amphotericin B > Amphotericin B lipid complex > Liposomal Amphotericin B.