It binds to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane forming large channels through which cellular contents leak leading to cell death.
Toxicity results from the binding of ampho B molecules to cholesterol in the host's cell membrane.
The renal epithelial cells are particularly susceptible to this adverse effect. Candida cystitis is treated via bladder irrigation. The kinetics of ampho B is complicated and not fully elucidated. However, liver disease does not appear to affect its serum level. It is not absorbed by the GI, and it is not removed by hemodialysis.