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Amphotericin B, Amphotericin B cholesteryl, Amphotericin B lipid complex, Sulfate complex, Liposomal amphotericin B
Trade Names:
Abelcet, Ambisome, Amphotec, Fungizone
Type of Drug:
Amphotericin B is used to treat fungal and protozoal infections.
How Drug Works:
Amphotericin B damages fungal membranes, prevents reproduction, and kills fungi at high doses. It is used to treat fungal infections in the blood and spinal cord. The liposomal form of the drug decreases the side effects of the drug, including those involving the kidneys.
How Drug Is Given:
Amphotericin B can be given in different ways. It is usually given every other day by a shot into a vein. The first dose is very small and given over 6 hours. The dose is gradually increased, and the infusion time decreased. When given into the spinal column (intrathecally), it is given 2 to 3 times a week. The dose and type of amphotericin B given depend on your weight and how well your kidneys are working.
Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.
Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.

Should I avoid any other medicines, foods, alcohol, and/or activities?
Your prescription and nonprescription medicines may interact with other drugs, causing harm. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medicine—prescription or nonprescription—without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, food, or other medicines. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and affect activities such as driving.
Precautions:
Amphotericin B can damage your kidneys, so your doctor will check your kidney function before your first treatment and periodically throughout the treatment. Most people have some changes in their kidney function. This returns to normal after treatment is finished or stopped.
All drugs used to fight infections can cause allergic reactions. Tell your nurse or doctor right away if you develop a rash, hives, red blotches on your skin, difficulty breathing, or tightness in your chest.
Amphotericin B can cause you to feel poorly during the first infusion. The side effects will go away, and with future doses will stop completely. You will be given a test dose first to see how you react. The side effects include fever, chills starting 1 to 3 hours after the drug is given, nausea, vomiting, increased breathing rate, headache, and feeling “blah.” Your nurse or doctor will give you medicine to take away the chills and tight feeling and to stop the nausea.
Women who are pregnant and patients with kidney problems should use this drug with caution.
Amphotericin B can be used for a long period to treat serious fungal or protozoal infections. Often, you will receive the drug in the hospital. Sometimes, you will go home and receive your treatments there. The infusion usually runs for several hours, daily, or every other day.
Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug.
  • Most of the following side effects probably will not occur.
  • Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you.
  • They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.
Side Effects:
More Common Side Effects
  • Changes in kidney function
  • Decreased red blood cell count with increased risk of anemia and tiredness (fatigue)
  • Pain at place of injection
  • Decrease in blood potassium level
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Cramping
  • Fever
  • Rigors
Less Common Side Effects
  • Kidney damage
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Heartburn
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
Rare Side Effects
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Irregular heart beat
  • Wheezing
  • Inflammation of lung
  • Hearing loss
  • Ringing in ears (tinnitus)
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Numbness in hands and/or feet
  • Seizures
  • Decreased white blood cell count with increased risk of infection
  • Decreased platelet count with increased risk of bleeding
  • Blood in stool
Side Effects / Symptoms of the Drug

Call your doctor or nurse if you develop rash, fever, or chills. Your nurse or doctor will give you medicine to make you feel better. You will probably receive medicines before the next treatment to prevent these problems.
Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.
FDA Approval: Yes