Like amphotericin B and natamycin,<unk>  is an ionophore. It binds to ergosterol, a major component of the fungal cell membrane. When present in sufficient concentrations, it forms pores in the membrane that lead to K+ leakage, acidification, and death of the fungus. Ergosterol is a sterol unique to fungi, so the drug does not have such catastrophic effects on animals or plants. However, many of the systemic/toxic effects of<unk>  in humans are attributable to its binding to mammalian sterols, namely cholesterol. This is the effect that accounts for the nephrotoxicity observed when high serum levels of<unk>  are achieved.<unk>  also impacts cell membrane potential and transport by lipid peroxidation. Conjugated double bonds in<unk> 's structure steal electron density from ergosterol in fungal cell membranes. Lipid peroxidation alters the hydrophilicity of the interior of channels in the membrane, which is necessary to transport ions and polar molecules. Disruption of membrane transport from<unk>  results in rapid cell death. Lipid peroxidation by<unk>  also contributes significantly to K+ leakage due to structural modifications of the membrane.
Nystatin
Terbinafine
Itraconazole
Sertaconazole
Ketoconazole
Posaconazole
Urodilatin
Miconazole