Amphotericin

About Amphotericin

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antifungals.

It is used to kill, or stop the growth of, a wide variety of yeasts and yeast-like fungi including Candida albicans (thrush). It is used to treat and prevent Candida albicans within the mouth, the throat or the intestines.

Amphotericin is available in tablet, lozenge, liquid and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Fungilin; Fungilin Lozenges. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Amphotericin

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

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

How to Take Amphotericin

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor
• This medicine should be used after meals or food, so that it can act in the mouth for a longer period of time
• The whole course must be completed even if you feel better. If you stop taking amphotericin too soon the symptoms may return
• If you have been given the liquid form of amphotericin it should be placed in the mouth using the pipette and held in the mouth in contact with the affected areas for as long as possible, before swallowing. Note: amphotericin suspension is sugar-free
• If you have been given the lozenges they should be held in the mouth for as long as possible and allowed to dissolve slowly
• If you have been supplied amphotericin tablets they should be swallowed whole with a drink of water
• Never take more than your doctor has told you to. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of amphotericin contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you if possible, even if it is empty

Getting the most from your treatment

• You should try to avoid food and drink for an hour after taking this medicine, particularly if you are using amphotericin to treat thrush of the mouth or throat, as this will allow the medicine to act in the mouth for a longer time
• 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.

Can Amphotericin cause problems?

Along with its useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually go away as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Amphotericin taken by mouth rarely causes any problems. Speak with your pharmacist or doctor if the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Feeling or being sick, diarrhoea or stomach discomfort.

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

How to store Amphotericin

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• If you have been given the suspension it should be discarded four days after opening the bottle.
• Do not keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 14/07/2003