What is amphotericin used for?
Amphotericin B injection is used to treat serious and potentially life-threatening fungal infections. Amphotericin B injection is in a class of medications called antifungals. It works by slowing the growth of fungi that cause infection.
What are the side effects of amphotericin?
More common
- Fever and chills.
- headache.
- increased or decreased urination.
- irregular heartbeat.
- muscle cramps or pain.
- nausea.
- pain at the place of injection.
- unusual tiredness or weakness.
Why is amphotericin B so toxic to humans?
Because mammalian and fungal membranes are similar in structure and composition, this is one mechanism by which amphotericin B causes cellular toxicity. Amphotericin B molecules can form pores in the host membrane as well as the fungal membrane. This impairment in membrane barrier function can have lethal effects.
Which infection is not treated by amphotericin?
Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antifungal medicine. Amphotericin B will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Is amphotericin an antibiotic?
Amphotericin B is an antibiotic used as the “gold standard” in the treatment of life-threatening fungal infections. Several molecular mechanisms have been proposed to explain exceptionally high effectiveness of amphotericin B in combating fungi.
Can amphotericin cause death?
We conclude that the incidence of acute renal failure associated with amphotericin B therapy is high, that death occurs frequently in patients who develop acute renal failure while receiving the drug, and that the additional length of stay and costs associated with receiving this therapy are very high.
Why amphotericin should be avoided in clinical practice?
Amphotericin exhibits infusion-related toxicity, which accounts for its extended administration times. Infuse slowly over 3 hours; rapid infusion can cause cardiotoxicity.
Is amphotericin B still used?
Amphotericin B is a life-saving drug in the treatment of serious systemic fungal infections and is still the most widely used antifungal in and intensive care, despite the development of a series of new antifungal agents, especially the second-generation triazoles and the echinocandins.
What is a life-threatening fungal infection?
The most common types of fungi that cause serious or life-threatening infections include: Aspergillus, which causes aspergillosis. It most often affects people with lung disease or a weakened immune system. Candida, which causes candidiasis, also called thrush.
What is a life threatening fungal infection?