DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Amphotericin B Injection (am-foe-TER-ih-sin B)
Brand Name: Amphocin and Fungizone

Amphocin should be used to treat only serious fungal infections. Do not use Amphocin for less severe infections such as oral thrush (white spots in the mouth), vaginal yeast infections, or throat (esophageal) infections, or for localized (not spread throughout the body) fungal infections in people with normal white blood cell levels.

Amphocin is used for:

Treating progressive and potentially life-threatening fungal infections. It may be used to treat certain protozoal infections (American mucocutaneous leishmaniasis) or other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Amphocin is an antifungal antibiotic. It works by killing the fungus and preventing its reproduction.

Do NOT use Amphocin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Amphocin

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Amphocin :

Some medical conditions may interact with Amphocin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Amphocin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole) because the effectiveness of Amphocin may be decreased
• Aminoglycoside antibiotics (eg, gentamicin), antineoplastic medicines (eg, nitrogen mustard), cyclosporine, or pentamidine because side effects, such as kidney problems, may occur
• Leukocyte transfusions because side effects, such as lung problems, may occur
• Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) or corticotropin (ACTH) because side effects, such as heart problems, may occur
• Digoxin, flucytosine, or skeletal muscle relaxants (eg, tubocurarine) because side effects and toxic effects may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Amphocin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Amphocin :

Use Amphocin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Amphocin is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Amphocin at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• If the medicine contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial/container is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• Amphocin works best if it is taken at the same time each day.
• To clear up your infection completely, continue using Amphocin for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses.
• Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when full.
• If you miss a dose of Amphocin , contact your doctor for advice on when to schedule the next dose.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Amphocin .

Important safety information:

• Amphocin may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Amphocin . Using Amphocin alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• To reduce side effects, your doctor may prescribe other medicines before administration of Amphocin . Take these other medicines as directed.
• It is important to use Amphocin for the full course of treatment. Failure to do so may decrease the effectiveness of Amphocin and may increase the risk that the fungus will no longer be sensitive to Amphocin and will not be able to be treated by this or certain other antifungals in the future.
• LAB TESTS, including kidney function, liver function, blood cell counts, and blood electrolytes, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Amphocin is not recommended for use in NEWBORNS. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• Use Amphocin with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Amphocin during pregnancy. It is unknown if Amphocin is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Amphocin .

Possible side effects of Amphocin :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Chills; fever; headache; loss of appetite; muscle or joint pain; nausea; stomach pain; weight loss.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; convulsions; dark, bloody stools; decreased urination; diarrhea; dizziness; fast breathing; hearing loss; irregular heartbeat; pain or redness at the injection site; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Amphocin :

Store Amphocin as directed on the prescription label. Store away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Amphocin , as well as needles and syringes, out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Amphocin , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Amphocin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Amphocin . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.