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Amphotericin B

Pronounced

"am-foe-TER-i-sin"

Common brand names:

Fungizone

Uses

See also Warning section.

This medication is used to treat a variety of serious, possibly fatal fungal infections. It works by stopping the growth of fungi.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used to reduce the risk of fungal infections in people with fevers and low white blood cell (neutrophil) counts or people with weakened immune systems (such as due to HIV, organ transplant, or cancer).

How to Use This Medication

This medication is usually given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually once a day or every other day. It should be injected slowly over 2 to 6 hours. Your doctor may give you a smaller dose first to test your response to the medication. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, response to the test dose, and response to treatment. If this medication is stopped for 7 days or longer, then it should be restarted at the lowest dose and slowly increased.

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Infusion reactions may happen during the infusion of this drug. Your doctor may prescribe other medications (including acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone) before each treatment to help prevent these side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infusion reactions such as fever, shaking, chills, flushing, loss of appetite, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, shortness of breath, or fast breathing. Your doctor may give you other medications to help with these side effects.

It may be necessary to continue this medication for several weeks to several months in order to treat certain infections. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.