Oral Amphotericin B: Challenges and avenues

Amphotericin B (AmB) is a polyene antibiotic, widely used against life threatening systemic infections with fungi such as Candida albicans or Aspergillus fumigates as well as parasite such as Leishmania donovani. Until recently, AmB has been administered parenterally; however, this approach has been associated with significant infusion-related side effects and nephrotoxicity. Nevertheless, the approach has established the significance of lipid-based formulations in attenuating the associated toxicity. Although, oral administration of AmB has been considered as an alternative, the amphipathic nature of AmB along with its low solubility and permeability has posed major hurdles for oral administration. For such challenging molecules, nanoparticulate drug delivery systems have demonstrated great potential. In view of these possibilities, the proposed review intends to explore the potential of nanotechnology in designing the definitive solutions for oral administration of AmB.