Difficulties in antifungal therapy with amphotericin B and the continuous search for new formulations: A literature review

Abstract

Despite advances in the research on new antifungal agents, Amphotericin B (AmB) is still considered as the antifungal of choice for treating most systemic mycoses due to its potency and broad-spectrum action. However, this drug has limited use because of its toxic effects on kidneys, liver and blood. The search for new and safe formulations of AmB is essential because of the emergence of antifungal resistance to other drugs and the increased number of immunosuppressed patients. Nanoparticles are a promising alternative towards achieving lower toxicity and improved pharmacokinetic properties. This study is a literature review of the use of AmB and the toxicity of formulations. Some of the current new formulations show some advantageous characteristics as compared to AmB. However, there is still need for a continued search for an effectively improved formulation.