Amphotericin B
About
Amphotericin B belongs to a class of medication called 'antifungal' used to treat severe fungal infections like leishmaniasis. A fungal infection is a disease in which fungi attack the tissue and cause infection. Fungi are commonly present in nature but do not cause infections normally. However, if the person has a weak immune system, certain types of fungi may infect them.
Amphotericin B contains Amphotericin B, which kills fungi by destroying the fungal outer cell membrane. The fungal cell membranes are essential for their survival as they prevent the entry of unwanted substances into the cells and stop the leakage of cell contents.
Amphotericin B is given by a doctor or nurse. In some cases, you may experience fever, chills, irregular heartbeat, high or low blood pressure, breathing problems, nausea, vomiting, headache, shaking, muscle cramps or pain. Most of these side effects of Amphotericin B do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Amphotericin B or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Amphotericin B. Amphotericin B is not recommended for children below one month as the safety and effectiveness were not established. Avoid driving after taking Amphotericin B as it may affect your ability to drive. If you experience severe adverse effects such as chest pain or difficulty in breathing, or encephalopathy (a brain disease which may cause you to behave strangely, be confused or feel drowsy), seek immediate medical help.
Uses of Amphotericin B
Medicinal Benefits
Amphotericin B contains Amphotericin B, an antifungal used to treat severe fungal infections. The fungal cell membranes are essential for their survival as they prevent the entry of unwanted substances into the cells and stop the leakage of cell contents. Amphotericin B damages fungal cell membranes and kills fungi. Amphotericin B is used to treat infections such as blood infection with candida, cryptococcus, fusarium, zygomycetes, aspergillus, coccidiodes or blastomycetes, or cryptococcal meningitis (inflammation of the brain).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Amphotericin B
- Fever
- Chills
- Irregular heartbeat
- High or low blood pressure
- Breathing problems
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Shaking
- Muscle cramps or pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Amphotericin B or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Amphotericin B. Amphotericin B is not recommended for children below one month as the safety and effectiveness were not established. Avoid driving after taking Amphotericin B as it may affect your ability to drive. If you experience severe adverse effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or encephalopathy (a brain disease that may cause you to behave strangely, be confused or feel drowsy), seek immediate medical help. If you have diabetes, electrolyte imbalance (low magnesium or potassium levels in the blood), kidney, liver or heart problems, inform your doctor before taking Amphotericin B.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Amphotericin B may interact with an anti-HIV drug (zidovudine), immunosuppressant (ciclosporin), antifungal (flucytosine), water pills (furosemide), anticancer drug (methotrexate).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have diabetes, electrolyte imbalance (low magnesium or potassium levels in the blood), kidney, liver or heart problems, inform your doctor before taking Amphotericin B.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Amphotericin B with alcohol is unknown. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorAmphotericin B is a Category B pregnancy drug and is given to a pregnant woman if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Amphotericin B is excreted in human milk. If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving this injection.
Driving
cautionAvoid driving after taking Amphotericin B as it may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
consult your doctorInform your doctor if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions before receiving Amphotericin B.
Kidney
consult your doctorInform your doctor if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions before receiving Amphotericin B.
Children
cautionAmphotericin B is not recommended for children below one month as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Wash your hands regularly and keep your hands clean to prevent the spread of germs.
- Avoid dusty activities and digging in the soil.
- Wear shoes, a long-sleeved t-shirt and long pants while doing outdoor activities such as yard work, gardening or visiting wooded areas to protect from fungus commonly present in the environment.
- Maintain a diet that is low in sugar, refined carbohydrates, mould-containing foods and yeast.
Special Advise
- Regular blood tests are recommended while taking Amphotericin B to monitor blood, liver or kidney functioning and potassium levels.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Fungal infection is a disease in which fungi attack the tissue and cause infection. Fungi are commonly present in nature but do not cause infections normally. However, if the person has a weak immune system, certain types of fungi may infect them. Cryptococcal meningitis is a fungal infection of tissues covering the spinal cord (meninges) and brain. The symptoms include headache, hallucinations, fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting. Fungal infections in the lungs may be more serious and life-threatening and often cause symptoms similar to tuberculosis or bacterial pneumonia.
FAQs
Amphotericin B contains Amphotericin B, an antifungal that works by damaging fungal cell membranes, thereby killing fungi.
You are not recommended to take Amphotericin B with furosemide as co-administration of these medicines may increase the risk of hypokalaemia (low potassium levels in the blood), and in severe cases, it may lead to paralysis, muscle weakness, irregular heart rhythm, difficulty in breathing or swallowing. However, please consult your doctor before taking Amphotericin B with other medicines.
Amphotericin B may cause blue lips and skin, probably during infusion or in the initial 2 days of treatment. However, your doctor or nurse may arrange certain simple treatments to control such adverse effects.
Yes, a test dose of Amphotericin B may be given in smaller amounts before starting the treatment to check if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients.
You are recommended to use Amphotericin B for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, the usual treatment is for a minimum of 14 days. Please consult a doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Amphotericin B.
Amphotericin B is not used to treat viral infections. Amphotericin B is an antifungal that kills fungi and is used to treat severe fungal infections.
