Amphotericin B Injection

Uses of Amphotericin B Injection

Amphotericin B injection is used to treat serious and potentially life-threatening fungal infections. This injection is in a class of medications called antifungals. It works by slowing the growth of fungi that cause infection.

Side Effects of Amphotericin B Injection

Amphotericin B injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • stomach pain or cramping
  • heartburn
  • diarrhea
  • weight loss
  • bone, muscle, or joint pain
  • lack of energy
  • redness or swelling at the injection site
  • pale skin
  • shortness of breath
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • coldness in the hands and feet

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

  • rash
  • blisters or hives
  • flushing
  • wheezing
  • difficulty breathing
  • itching
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • decreased urination

The injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.

Warnings & Precautions

Before receiving amphotericin B injection:

  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amphotericin B, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in the medication. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take with amphotericin B injection. Be sure to mention any of the following: aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin, or tobramycin (Bethkis, Kitabis Pak, Tobi); antifungals such as clotrimazole, fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox), ketoconazole (Extina, Nizoral, Xolegel), and miconazole (Oravig, Monistat); corticotropin (H.P. Acthar Gel); cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune); digoxin (Lanoxin); flucytosine (Ancobon); medications for the treatment of cancer such as nitrogen mustard; pentamidine (Nebupent, Pentam); and oral steroids such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Rayos). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • Tell your doctor if you are receiving leukocyte (white blood cell) transfusions while receiving amphotericin B injection.
  • Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving this medication, call your doctor. Do not breastfeed while receiving the injection.
  • If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving amphotericin B injection.

Source

All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.