Natamycin
1115956
216651026
2008-06-02T16:31:29Z
Fvasconcellos
1051513
INN
{{drugbox
| IUPAC_name =
| image = Natamycin.svg
| CAS_number = 7681-93-8
| EINECS_number = 231-683-5[http://ecb.jrc.it/esis/index.php?GENRE=ECNO&ENTREE=231-683-5]
| ATC_prefix = A01
| ATC_suffix = AB10
| ATC_supplemental = {{ATC|A07|AA03}}, {{ATC|D01|AA02}}, {{ATC|G01|AA02}}, {{ATC|S01|AA10}}
| PubChem = 441382
| DrugBank = APRD01136
| C = 33 | H = 47 | N = 1 | O = 13
| molecular_weight = 665.725 g/mol
| bioavailability =
| protein_bound =
| metabolism =
| elimination_half-life =
| pregnancy_category =
| legal_status =
| routes_of_administration =
}}
'''Natamycin''' ([[International Nonproprietary Name|INN]]), also known as '''pimaricin''', is a naturally occurring antimicrobial agent produced by the bacterium ''[[Streptomyces natalensis]]''. It is a [[macrolide]] [[polyene]] [[antifungal]] drug used to treat fungal [[keratitis]]. It is especially effective against ''[[Aspergillus]]'' and ''[[Fusarium]]'' [[cornea]]l infections.
==Uses==
===In foods===
It is used in the food industry as a [[preservative]] to inhibit fungal growth on cheese and other food. It may be applied in a liquid spray or in powdered form on whole, shredded, or soft cheese, or applied on or in the wax covering of some cheeses.
As a [[food additive]], it has [[E number]] E235.
===Medical===
Natamycin is used to treat fungal infections, including ''Candida'', ''Aspergillus'', ''Cephalosporium'', ''Fusarium'' and ''Penicillium''. It is applied as a cream, in eyedrops, or (for oral infections) in a lozenge. Natamycin shows negligible absorption into the body when administered in these ways. When taken orally, little or none is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, making it inappropriate for systemic infections.<ref>Sweetman, S. (2004). ''Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference''</ref>
==Safety==
Natamycin lacks acute toxicity. In animal studies, the lowest [[LD50|LD<sub>50</sub>]] found was 450 mg/kg. In rats, the LD<sub>50</sub> is ≥2300 mg/kg, and doses of 500 mg/kg/day over 2 years caused no detectable differences in survival rate, growth, or incidence of tumors. The metabolites of natamycin also lack toxicity. The breakdown products of natamycin under various storage conditions may have a lower LD<sub>50</sub> than natamycin, but in all cases the numbers are quite high. In humans, a dose of 500 mg/kg/day repeated over multiple days caused nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.<ref name="InChem">[http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v48je06.htm Mattia, A. et al. SAFETY EVALUATION OF CERTAIN FOOD ADDITIVES AND CONTAMINANTS: NATAMYCIN (PIMARICIN). WHO Food Additives Series #48.]</ref>
There is no evidence that natamycin, at either pharmacological levels or levels encountered as a food additive, can harm normal intestinal flora, but definitive research may not be available.<ref name="InChem"/>
==External links==
==References==
<references />
[[Category:Antifungals]]
[[Category:Preservatives]]
{{antimicrobial-stub}}
{{Stomatological preparations}}
{{Antidiarrheals, intestinal anti-inflammatory/anti-infective agents}}
{{Antifungals}}
{{Gynecological anti-infectives and antiseptics}}
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