natamycin

Natamycin is a tetraene polyene antifungal drug derived from Streptomyces natalensis. It is primarily used as an ophthalmic suspension to treat fungal infections of the eye, including blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and keratitis caused by susceptible fungi such as Candida, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Acremonium (Cephalosporium), and Penicillium. Natamycin acts by binding specifically to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane. This binding impairs membrane integrity and inhibits essential cellular processes like amino acid and glucose transport without directly causing membrane permeabilization—a mechanism distinct from other polyene antifungals. The result is fungicidal activity that halts fungal growth[2][4][5][7]. Systemic absorption after topical administration is negligible.

Brand names

Natacyn

Other names

natamycinpimaricin