Amphotericin B - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Amphotericin B is a drug used to treat serious and dangerous fungal infections. This drug is available in the form of oral (drug) and injection or injection.

Amphotericin B works by stopping the growth and reproduction of fungi. This medicine is not used to treat minor yeast infections that occur in the mouth, esophagus, and vagina.

Amphotericin B trademark: -

What is Amphotericin B?

group	antifungal
Category	Prescription drugs
Benefit	Treats serious fungal infections and some protozoal infections
Consumed by	Mature
Amphotericin B for pregnant and lactating women	Category B:Studies in animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. It is not known whether amphotericin B can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
Drug form	Oral (drinking drugs) and injections

Warnings Before Using Amphotericin B:

Do not use amphotericin B if you have a history of allergy to this drug.
Tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney, heart and liver disease, blood transfusions.
Tell your doctor if you have recently had surgery, including dental surgery.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy before taking amphotericin B.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience an overdose or an allergic reaction to the drug after taking amphotericin B.

Dosage and Rules for Use of Amphotericin B

The following is the division of the dose of amphotericin B based on the form of the drug:

Oral form

Candidiasis: 100 mg, 4 times daily. The dose can be increased to a maximum of 200 mg, 4 times a day.

Injectable form (intravenous and intrathecal)

Aspergillosis: 0.6-0.7 mg/kgBW, for 3-6 months.
Fungal endocarditis: 0.6-1 mg/kg, once a week.
If the patient undergoes surgery, the dose will be 0.8 mg/kgBW, once for 6-8 weeks.
Severe systemic fungal infections: 0.25 mg/kg per day. The dose can be increased gradually to a maximum of 1 mg/kg body weight per day.
Fungal meningitis: 0.25 – 1 mg, 2-4 times a week.

Liquid form

Candiduria: 50 mg dissolved in 1000 ml sterile aqua solution 1 time per day.

How to Use Amphotericin B Correctly

Follow the doctor's instructions or the information listed on the medicine package when using amphotericin B. Make sure to use amphotericin B in accordance with the recommended dosage. Do not increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.

Amphotericin B injection will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The drug will be injected into a vein and given 1-2 times a day.

Do not stop taking the medication even if you feel better. If you stop taking this medicine for 7 days or more, you will need to start again.

Amphotericin B Interactions with Other Drugs

There are several interactions that may occur when taking amphotericin B along with certain drugs, including:

Increased risk of renal side effects if used with amikacin, cidofovir, iodinated, ciclosporine, ioversol, neomycin PO, streptozocin, tacrolimus and telcoplanin.
Increased effectiveness of cisatracurium
Increased risk of hypokalemia respiratory distress when used with corticotropin and digoxin.
Increased risk of respiratory distress if used with onabotulinumtoxin, pancuronium, rapacuronium, rimabotulinumtoxinB, rocuronium, succinylcholine and vecuronium.

Side Effects and Dangers of Amphotericin B

Common side effects after taking Amphotericin B are:

Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Stomach ache
Diarrhea
Muscle and joint pain
Bruising and swelling at the injection site
No appetite
Weight loss

Check with the doctor if the complaints persist. You are also advised to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction, such as an itchy rash on the skin, swelling of the lips and eyes, and difficulty breathing or serious side effects, such as: