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Amphotericin
|
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 |
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
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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).
The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest.
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