DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Amphotec

Category

• Antifungal (systemic)

Description

Amphotericin (am-foe-TER-i-sin) B cholesteryl complex is an antifungal medicine. It is used to help the body overcome serious infections, such as aspergillosis, that are caused by fungus.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

• Parenteral
• Injection (U.S.)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For amphotericin B cholesteryl complex, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to amphotericin B cholesteryl complex. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Amphotericin B cholesteryl complex has not been studied in pregnant women. However, amphotericin B cholesteryl complex has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether amphotericin B cholesteryl complex passes into breast milk. However, amphotericin B cholesteryl complex is not recommended during breast-feeding because it may cause unwanted effects in nursing infants.

Children—This medicine has been tested in children and, in effective doses, has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.

Older adults—This medicine has been tested in a limited number of patients 65 years of age or older and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are using amphotericin B cholesteryl complex, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:

• Aminoglycosides (amikacin [e.g., Amikin], gentamicin [e.g., Garamycin], kanamycin [e.g., Kantrex], neomycin [e.g., Mycifradin], netilmicin [e.g., Netromycin], streptomycin, tobramycin [e.g., Nebcin]) or
• Cyclosporine (e.g., Sandimmune) or
• Pentamidine (e.g., NebuPent, Pentam 300) or
• Tacrolimus (e.g., Prograf)—Use of these medicines with amphotericin B cholesteryl complex may increase the risk of side effects affecting the kidneys

• Antineoplastic agents (cancer medicine)—Use of cancer medicines with amphotericin B cholesteryl complex may increase the risk of side effects affecting the blood, kidneys, and lungs

• Atracurium (e.g., Tracrium) or
• Gallamine (e.g., Flaxedil) or
• Metocurine (e.g., Metubine Iodide) or
• Pancuronium (e.g., Pavulon) or
• Tubocurarine or
• Vecuronium (e.g., Norcuron)—Use of these medicines with amphotericin B cholesteryl complex may increase the effects of these medicines

• Corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicine) or
• Corticotropin (ACTH) or
• Digitalis glycosides (heart medicine)—Use of amphotericin B cholesteryl complex with corticosteroids, corticotropin, or digitalis medicines (such as digoxin) may cause changes in the blood that may increase the chance of heart problems

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of amphotericin B cholesteryl complex. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems.

Proper Use of This Medicine

Dosing—The dose of amphotericin B cholesteryl complex will be different for different patients. The following information includes only the average doses of amphotericin B cholesteryl complex.

• For injection dosage form:
  • For treatment of aspergillosis:
    • Adults and children—3 to 4 milligrams per kilogram (1.36 to 1.81 mg per pound) of body weight, injected slowly into a vein, once a day.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Developed: 04/28/1998

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