Question

Which effect is associated with amphotericin B?

• A. Hyponatremia
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hypermagnesemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Hint:

Monitor serum electrolytes, especially potassium and magnesium, during amphotericin B therapy to prevent serious complications.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Amphotericin B is a polyene antifungal agent used primarily to treat systemic fungal infections. One of its notable adverse effects is renal toxicity, which leads to electrolyte disturbances. - Amphotericin B binds to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, creating pores that cause leakage of intracellular components. Unfortunately, it can also affect mammalian kidney cells.
- This nephrotoxicity results in increased renal tubular permeability leading to loss of potassium and magnesium in the urine.
- Consequently, patients often develop hypokalemia (low serum potassium levels), which can cause muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and other clinical manifestations.
- Other electrolyte abnormalities may occur but hypokalemia is the hallmark electrolyte disturbance linked with amphotericin B therapy.