Amphotericin B is the active ingredient of AmBisome and Fungizone.
General information
Amphotericin is an anti-fungal antibiotic effective in treating most fungal and yeast infections and is the drug of choice in treating serious systemic fungal infection. The oral form is used in the treatment of candidiasis (thrush) in the mouth, and other oral infections complicated by candida.
Because little of the drug is absorbed systemically when given orally, adverse effects to the oral form of this drug is rare. As a downside, the oral form is not effective in treating systemic infections.
Amphotericin is eliminated very slowly from the body and may be detected in the urine for up to 7 weeks after therapy is stopped.
How does amphotericin B work?
Amphotericin B injures the fungal cell membrane of sensitive species, rendering it more permeable. Fluid may penetrate the cell easier causing it to rupture.
Fast facts
Drug schedule: schedule 4
Available as: amphotericin B is available as lozenges or oral use and as injection
What does it do? amphotericin B has an anti-fungal action
Overdose risk: low (oral form)
Dependence risk: low
Is amphotericin B available as a generic? yes (injection)
Is amphotericin B available on prescription only? yes
User information
Onset of effect: improvement may be noticed within 4 days of start of treatment
Duration of action: up to 8 hours
Dietary advice: patients receiving amphotericin by injection are advised to take magnesium and potassium supplements
Stopping this medicine: the prescribed course of amphotericin B should be completed even if improvement is noticed after a few days. Premature stoppage may cause the original infection to recur.
Prolonged use: prolonged use of this medication in the injectable form may lead to kidney and blood disorders. Blood levels of potassium and magnesium may also be depleted. Frequent blood tests may be required. The oral form has few adverse effects.
Special precautions
Consult your doctor before using this drug if:
- you have a liver or kidney condition
- you are taking any other medication
Pregnancy: avoid. Potential risk to the foetus has been reported. Consult your doctor before use, or if you are planning to fall pregnant.
Breastfeeding: avoid. It is unknown how this medication may affect your baby. Consult your doctor before use.
Porphyria: avoid. It is unknown how this medication may affect your condition. Consult your doctor before use.
Infants and children: a reduced dose should be prescribed according to body weight.
The elderly: dosage may need to be adjusted.
Driving and hazardous work: no special precautions need to be taken.
Alcohol: no special precautions need to be taken.
Possible side effects
Side effect |
Frequency |
Consult your doctor |
Common |
Rare |
Only if severe |
In all cases |
nausea/ vomiting |
x |
|
x |
|
diarrhoea/ abdominal cramping |
x |
|
x |
|
skin rash/ itch |
|
x |
|
x |
headache |
|
x |
x |
|
loss of appetite |
|
x |
x |
|
fever/chills |
|
x |
|
x |
muscle and joint pain |
|
x |
|
x |
hearing loss |
|
x |
|
x |
swelling |
|
x |
|
x |
Interactions
Drug interactions
corticosteroids |
increased risk of cardiac toxicity |
ciclosporin |
risk of kidney damage |
digitalis/ digoxin |
risk of digitalis toxicity |
diuretics |
increased risk of potassium loss |
miconazole |
reduced effect of amphotericin |
tacrolimus |
increased risk of kidney toxicity |
Disease interactions
Consult your doctor before using this drug if you have a liver or kidney condition.
Overdose action
A small overdose is no cause for concern. In case of intentional large overdose seek emergency medical attention.
Recommended dosage
Adults: Lozenges: 40-80mg daily; Injection: Maximum daily dose of 1.5mg/kg - The dose should however be determined for each individual case.
Interesting fact
Yellowing of the teeth may occur when using the oral form of this drug. It can easily be removed by brushing.
This material is not intended to substitute medical advice, but is for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for specific treatment and recommendations.