Natamycin [7681-93-8], natural product isolated from culture filtrates of Streptomyces natalensis (original isolate from soil of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa) and Streptomyces chattanoogensis, contains mycosamine as sugar component, like amphotericin B and nystatin.

Solubility

Natamycin is soluble in propylene glycol (20 mg/mL), DMF (50 mg/mL), andN-methylpyrrolidone (120 mg/mL); slightly soluble in methanol (2 mg/mL); and practically insoluble in water (0.05 mg/mL). Natamycin is amphoteric, dissolving in dilute acids and bases. However, these solutions are unstable.

Indications

Cutaneous and mucocutaneous candidosis; in some cases, the substance was also successful for therapy of human dermatophytoses. In veterinary medicin, natamycin is used for the therapy of dermatophytoses in cows (generally caused by Trichophyton verrucosum) and horses (generally caused by Trichophyton equinum) . As natamycin also has antibacterial properties, it is also used as a food preservative. 

Side Effects

When applied topically, natamycin is highly effective and well tolerated in the treatment of cutaneous and mucocutaneous candidoses. Local irritations and allergic reactions may occur in rare cases and are mostly due to the galenic formulation. Especially in veterinary medicine, phototoxic effects were observed.