Valinomycin
Also known as: Antibiotic K, Antibiotic X-464, Cyclododecadepsipeptide ionophore, Valinomycin A, VLM
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Summary
Valinomycin is a cyclic dodecadepsipeptide produced by Streptomyces species. It acts as a high‑affinity potassium ionophore and exhibits antimicrobial activity. Primarily used as a research tool to study ion transport and membrane physiology; not approved for therapeutic use.
Mechanism of Action
Facilitates selective K⁺ ion transport across lipid membranes, disrupting ion gradients and membrane potential
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Antimicrobial activityAnti InfectiveLow
- Anticancer activityOncologyLow
- Antiviral activity (SARS-CoV)AntiviralLow
- Ion channel / transport researchBasic ResearchHigh
- Research tool – membrane potential studiesBasic ResearchHigh
- Potassium ionophore researchResearch ToolHigh
- Antimicrobial screeningResearch ToolModerate
Contraindications
- Human therapeutic administrationClinical UseHigh
- Renal impairmentOrgan DysfunctionHigh
- Cardiac arrhythmia riskCardiovascularHigh
Adverse Effects
- Mitochondrial uncouplingMetabolicCommon
- Hyperkalemia / hypokalemiaElectrolyte DisturbanceUnknown
- Apoptosis inductionCellular ToxicityCommon
- HemolysisHematologicUncommon
- CytotoxicityCell ViabilityCommon
Drug Interactions
- Cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin)High
- Mitochondrial complex inhibitors (e.g., rotenone)High
- Potassium-sparing diureticsHigh
Population Constraints
- All human populations (therapeutic use)GeneralAbsolute
- Pediatric patientsAgeAbsolute
- Patients with cardiac diseaseCardiovascularAbsolute
- Pregnant individualsReproductiveAbsolute
Regulatory Status
- European UnionUnapprovedNo marketing authorization; sold as a laboratory reagent
- United StatesUnapprovedNot FDA‑approved; available only for research
- United KingdomUnapprovedNot licensed for medicinal use
Not approved by FDA, EMA, or any major regulatory authority for human therapeutic use. Used exclusively as a laboratory research reagent. Some interest in repurposing as an antiviral or anticancer agent remains at the preclinical stage.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Valinomycin?
Valinomycin is a cyclic dodecadepsipeptide produced by Streptomyces species. It acts as a high‑affinity potassium ionophore and exhibits antimicrobial activity. Primarily used as a research tool to study ion transport and membrane physiology; not approved for therapeutic use.
What is Valinomycin used for?
Valinomycin is educationally associated with: Antimicrobial activity, Anticancer activity, Antiviral activity (SARS-CoV), Ion channel / transport research, Research tool – membrane potential studies, Potassium ionophore research, Antimicrobial screening. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Valinomycin administered?
Recorded routes of administration: In Vitro, Intraperitoneal, Intravenous, Topical.
What are the potential side effects of Valinomycin?
Reported adverse effects include: Mitochondrial uncoupling, Hyperkalemia / hypokalemia, Apoptosis induction, Hemolysis, Cytotoxicity. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Valinomycin?
Recorded contraindications: Human therapeutic administration, Renal impairment, Cardiac arrhythmia risk. Consult a qualified clinician before use.