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Amphotericin

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Amphotericin lozenges are used to treat oral thrush.
Complete the full course of lozenges you have been given.
If your symptoms don't improve or if they return, tell your doctor or dentist.

About amphotericin

Type of medicine	Antifungal
Used for	The treatment of yeast and fungus infections
Also called	Fungilin®, Fungizone®, Amphotericin B, Abelcet®, AmBisome®, Amphocil®
Available as	Lozenge and injection

Amphotericin is used to kill, or stop the growth of, a wide variety of yeasts and yeast-like fungi including Candida albicans (thrush).

Before taking amphotericin

Before taking amphotericin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from kidney problems.
If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take amphotericin

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor and complete the course you have been given.
These lozenges should be taken after meals, so that they can act in the mouth for a longer period of time.
Suck the lozenge for as long as possible, allowing it to dissolve slowly. Do not chew it or swallow it whole.
Unless you have been told otherwise, suck one lozenge four times a day (that is, every six hours).
Amphotericin can also be given by injection in hospital for serious infections.

Getting the most from your treatment

Amphotericin should be taken regularly at equally spaced intervals. Try to get into the habit of taking this medicine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
If your symptoms don't improve after 1-2 weeks of treatment, tell your doctor or dentist.
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can amphotericin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Side-effects of amphotericin lozenges are uncommon, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following become troublesome.

Possible side-effects	What can I do if I experience this
Feeling sick	Eat little and often and stick to simple foods
Skin rashes, yellowing of the teeth	The yellow discolouring of the teeth can be removed by brushing your teeth regularly

Important: If you experience a severe rash, or swelling of the mouth and face, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you are being given amphotericin by injection, you may notice the following: weight loss, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache, high temperature, muscle and joint pain, rash, pain and inflammation at the injection site. Your hospital will monitor you carefully while you are receiving the injection.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store amphotericin

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Fungilin® Lozenge, Squibb & Sons Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised May 2006, accessed 11 June 2008.
British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID:
3305

DocRef:
dils2246

Last Updated:
17 Aug 2008

Date of Next Review:
17 Aug 2010

Version:
22

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