Amphotericin B is classified as which type of medication?

Amphotericin B is classified as an antifungal medication. This drug is utilized primarily to treat serious fungal infections, particularly those caused by organisms such as Candida and Aspergillus species. It works by binding to ergosterol, a key component of fungal cell membranes, leading to increased permeability and ultimately causing cell death.

This characteristic distinguishes amphotericin B from the other classifications listed. Antivirals are medications designed to treat viral infections, antiparasitics are aimed at treating infections caused by parasites, and antibiotics specifically target bacterial infections. Therefore, the correct classification of amphotericin B as an antifungal highlights its specific mechanism of action and therapeutic usage against fungal pathogens.