amphotericin B + dexamethasone

Amphotericin B + dexamethasone is a combination therapy consisting of two distinct drugs: amphotericin B, a polyene antifungal agent, and dexamethasone, a synthetic corticosteroid. Amphotericin B acts by binding to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, creating pores that lead to cell death. It is used primarily for severe systemic fungal infections such as cryptococcal meningitis and leishmaniasis. Dexamethasone exerts anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, inhibiting pro-inflammatory gene expression and promoting anti-inflammatory pathways. The combination has been studied in animal models (e.g., murine cerebral cryptococcosis) where it demonstrated increased survival compared to monotherapy with either drug alone; this effect may be due both to direct antifungal activity (from amphotericin B) and modulation of inflammation or immune response (from dexamethasone). This combination is not an approved fixed-dose product but may be used off-label or experimentally as adjunctive therapy in certain severe infections.