Other Brands/Names

In Indonesia, products containing amphotericin B include Talsutin and Fungicid.

How It Works

Amphotericin B is an antifungal medicine used for serious fungal infections, including those that enter the bloodstream. It acts by disrupting the integrity of the fungal cell membrane so the cell contents leak out, which leads to fungal cell death.

Indications

This medicine is indicated for conditions such as severe systemic fungal infections and intestinal candidiasis.

Contraindication

Do not use amphotericin B in patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to amphotericin B, which may present with symptoms like hives or a skin rash.

Side Effects

Side effects are uncommon, but the following may occur:

• Shivering
• Low blood pressure
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Palpitations
• Chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Back pain
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Cough
• Red patches on the skin
• Itchiness

Types

Currently available forms of amphotericin B include:

• Injection
• Vaginal tablets
• Eye ointment
• Oral medicines

Dosage

Oral preparation (for intestinal Candida infections)

• Adult dose: 100–200 mg every 6 hours daily
• Child dose: 100 mg, 4 times daily

Injectable preparation (for bloodstream fungal infections)

• Adult dose: Start with 1 mg infused over 20–30 minutes, then increase to 250 mcg/kgBW/day, and may be escalated to 1 mg/kgBW/day (maximum daily dose 1.5 mg/kgBW/day). Minimum treatment duration is 14 days.

Safety

Pregnancy:

FDA Category B (animal studies have not shown fetal harm, and adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women are lacking). Use should be considered when clearly needed and is generally regarded as acceptable during pregnancy.

Drug Interactions

Aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamicin or amikacin)

Using amphotericin B together with gentamicin or amikacin may raise the risk of kidney problems and hearing impairment. If these medicines must be combined, they should be used under careful medical supervision to reduce the chance of adverse effects.

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