amphotericin
Last reviewed 01/2018
Amphotericin is indicated in:
- intestinal candidiasis by oral route - tablets
- systemic fungal infections by slow intravenous infusion
Caution must be exercised:
- with corticosteroids
- when given parenterally - toxicity is the rule rather than the exception; close supervision is necessary with:
- hepatic and renal function tests
- FBC and plasma electrolytes
- with other nephrotoxic drugs
- if frequent changes of injection site - irritation
- with co-administration of antineoplastics
Possible adverse effects include:
- fever
- rash
- nausea, vomiting
- diarrhoea
- anorexia
- myalgia and arthraligia
- headache
- biochemical disturbances e.g. hypokalaemia, hypomagnesiumaemia
- anaemia
- arrhythmias
- neurosensory disturbances e.g. hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy, diplopia
- seizures
- nephrotoxicity
- hepatotoxicity
- phlebitis
- anaphylaxis
The summary of product characteristics must be consulted before prescribing this drug.