amphotericin
Definition
Noun: 1. An antibiotic and antifungal agent: A type of medication used to treat serious fungal infections. It is a polyene antibiotic derived from a species of Streptomyces bacteria.
Usage
- Amphotericin is primarily used in a clinical setting, often for severe, systemic fungal infections.
- It is typically administered by a healthcare professional, commonly via intravenous (IV) infusion.
- Due to its potential for serious side effects, its use is carefully monitored.
Examples
- The doctor prescribed amphotericin to treat the patient's invasive aspergillosis.
- Amphotericin B is considered a gold-standard treatment for many life-threatening fungal infections.
- A major concern with amphotericin therapy is its potential to cause kidney damage.
Advanced Usage
- Amphotericin B: The specific, most commonly used form of this drug. The "B" distinguishes it from other, less common forms (like amphotericin A).
- Liposomal amphotericin B: A newer formulation where the drug is encapsulated in liposomes. This formulation is designed to reduce toxicity while maintaining effectiveness.
Variants and Related Words
- Amphotericin B (n): The specific pharmacologically active compound.
- Polyene antibiotic (n): The class of antibiotics to which amphotericin belongs, characterized by their molecular structure with many double bonds.
Synonyms
- Antifungal agent
- Antimycotic (noun)
- Fungicide (in a medical/pharmacological context)
Notes
- There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with this highly technical, medical term.
Noun
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an antibiotic and antifungal agent
