Question:

Amphotericin B causes deficiency of?

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Renal tubular damage with this antifungal causes wasting of K.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Sodium (Na)
  • Calcium (Ca)
  • Potassium (K)
  • Magnesium (Mg)
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Amphotericin B is a polyene antifungal that binds ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, but it also binds cholesterol in human cells, accounting for its toxicity.
Step 2: Its major dose-limiting toxicity is nephrotoxicity. It damages the distal renal tubule and increases tubular membrane permeability, causing renal tubular acidosis and marked urinary loss of electrolytes.
Step 3: The most clinically prominent electrolyte abnormality is HYPOKALAEMIA (potassium deficiency) due to renal potassium wasting. Hypomagnesaemia can also occur, but potassium loss is the classic and most emphasised answer.
Step 4: Sodium and calcium deficiencies are not the characteristic disturbances of amphotericin B.
Conclusion: The correct answer is Potassium (K), matching the printed key.
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