South Dakota Medication Aide Practice Test

Amphotericin B is classified as a systemic antifungal agent. This medication is primarily used to treat serious, systemic fungal infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients, as it effectively penetrates body tissues and bloodstream to combat infections caused by fungi such as Candida and Aspergillus. Amphotericin B works by binding to ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membranes, leading to cell death and the resolution of the infection.

In contrast, the other options listed serve different therapeutic purposes. Clindamycin is an antibiotic primarily used to treat bacterial infections, not fungal infections. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief and inflammation, and it does not have antifungal properties. Gentamicin, like clindamycin, is an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections and is not effective against fungal pathogens. Therefore, Amphotericin B is accurately identified as the correct answer within this context.