Amphotericin B liposomal

Generic name: amphotericin B liposomal [ AM-foe-TER-i-sin-B-LYE-poe-SOE-mal ]
Brand name: AmBisome
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (50 mg)
Drug class: Polyenes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 16, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is amphotericin B liposomal?

Amphotericin B liposomal is an antifungal medicine that is used to treat serious, life-threatening fungal infections including leishmaniasis, or a certain form of meningitis in people infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

Amphotericin B liposomal is not for treating a minor fungal infection such as a yeast infection of the mouth, esophagus, or vagina.

Amphotericin B liposomal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Amphotericin B liposomal side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, hot or cold, or if you have a fast heartbeat, chest tightness, or trouble breathing.

Amphotericin B liposomal may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;

• low calcium level--muscle spasms or contractions, numbness or tingly feeling (around your mouth, or in your fingers and toes);

• low magnesium--dizziness, irregular heartbeats, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, cough or choking feeling; or

• low potassium level--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common side effects of amphotericin B liposomal may include:

• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• trouble breathing;

• chills;

• weakness; or

• rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Tell your caregivers if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, hot or cold, or if you have a fast heartbeat, chest tightness, or trouble breathing while you are receiving amphotericin B liposomal.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with amphotericin B if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;

• liver disease; or

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether amphotericin B liposomal will harm an unborn baby.

You should not breast-feed while using amphotericin B liposomal.

How is amphotericin B liposomal given?

Amphotericin B liposomal is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

amphotericin B liposomal must be given slowly, and the infusion can take about 2 hours to complete.

Amphotericin B liposomal may need to be given for up several weeks or months, depending on the infection being treated.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function, and other vital signs will be watched closely.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If amphotericin B liposomal is given while you are in the hospital, you are not likely to miss a dose.

If you are receiving this medicine in an outpatient clinic, call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your amphotericin B liposomal injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Since amphotericin B liposomal is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving amphotericin B liposomal?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect amphotericin B liposomal?

Amphotericin B can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Other drugs may affect amphotericin B liposomal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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