Evaluation of amlodipine against strains of Candida spp. in planktonic cells, developing biofilms and mature biofilms.

Aim: To evaluate the antifungal activity of amlodipine against strains of Candida spp. and to its possible mechanism of action. Methods: Broth microdilution tests were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration, while the synergistic activity was evaluated by calculating the fractional inhibitory concentration index. The action of amlodipine against biofilms was determined using the MTT assay and its possible mechanism of action was investigated through flow cytometry tests. Results: Amlodipine showed MICs ranging from 62.5 to 250 μg/ml, in addition to action against pre-formed and forming biofilms, with reductions between 50 and 90%. Amlodipine increases the externalization of phosphatidylserine and reduces the cell viability of fungal cells, suggesting apoptosis. Conclusion: Amlodipine had good antifungal activity against planktonic cells and biofilms of Candida spp., by leading the cells to apoptosis.