Binds ergosterol → forms membrane pores → fungal cell death.
Black Box Warning
Conventional (deoxycholate) form: use only for progressive, potentially life-threatening systemic fungal infection — not for noninvasive disease (thrush, vaginal/esophageal candidiasis) in immunocompetent patients.
Clinical Notes
Severe systemic mycoses. 'Ampho-terrible': nephrotoxicity, infusion reactions (fever/rigors), hypokalemia/hypomagnesemia. Liposomal form is less toxic.