Polyene antibiotics chemistry

Martin JF (1984) Biosynthesis, regulation, and genetics of polyene macrolide antibiotics. In Omura S (ed) Macrolide antibiotics Chemistry Biology, and Practice Academic Press, Orlando, 405... 

Nystatin [nye STAT in] is a polyene antibiotic its structure, chemistry, mode of action, and resistance resemble those of amphotericin B. Its use is restricted to topical treatment of Candida infections because of its systemic toxicity. The drug is negligibly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and it is never used par-enterally. It is administered as an oral agent ( swish and swallow ) for the treatment of oral candidiasis. Excretion in the feces is nearly quantitative. Adverse effects are rare because of its lack of absorption, but occasionally nausea and vomiting occur. 

Antifungal Agents. The chemistry, mechanism of action, and clinical utility of the antifungal polyene antibiotics was discussed in Chapter 2. 

The body of chemistry described above for amphotericin B (1) allowed, for the first time, the preparation of a series of novel derivatives of this polyene macrolide antibiotic and set the stage for a total synthesis of this target molecule. Below we unfold the adventure that led to the accomplishment of this goal.910... 

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