Brand Name(s): Amphocin, Fungizone
Generic Name Amphotericin B Injection
What is amphotericin injection?
AMPHOTERICIN B (Fungizone®) is an antifungal type of antibiotic. It treats serious fungus infections throughout the body. Generic amphotericin B injections are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•anemia
•kidney disease
•fluid and electrolyte disorders (problems with the amount of water and salts in the body)
•other chronic illness
•an unusual or allergic reaction to amphotericin B, other antibiotics, dyes or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Amphotericin B solution is infused into a vein. It can also be instilled into body cavities, into the spine, or used to irrigate the bladder. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you feel better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice. You will usually receive this medication in a hospital or clinic setting. If you do receive the medication at home, you will receive special instructions from your prescriber or health care professional.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with amphotericin B?
•certain antibiotics given by injection
•cyclosporine
•digoxin
•dofetilide
•hormones such as prednisone or cortisone
•medicines for cancer chemotherapy
•medicines for fungal or yeast infections
•pentamidine
•torsemide
•vancomycin
•water pills
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from receiving amphotericin B?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
•blurred vision
•chest tightness
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•sore throat with fever
•seizures (convulsions)
•shortness of breath, wheezing
•skin rash, itching
•tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
•unusual bleeding or bruising
More common:
•fever or chills
•headache
•increase or decrease in the amount of urine
•irregular heart beat (palpitations)
•muscle cramps or pain
•nausea, vomiting
•pain at the injection site
•pain or difficulty passing urine
•unusual tiredness or weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•indigestion
•loss of appetite
•stomach pain
What should I watch for while taking amphotericin B?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in a few days.
Keep a check on your urine output. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you notice any changes.
After your course of treatment is finished, you may still have some side effects.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:09/05/2002 |
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