Amphotericin B: description, indications for use, side effects and special instructions
Amphotericin B is an antifungal drug that is used to treat a variety of fungal infections. It is produced in Russia by the Sintez AKO company in the form of a lyophilisate for the preparation of a solution for infusion.
Indications for use
Amphotericin B is used to treat a variety of systemic mycoses, including candidomycosis, aspergillosis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis, pulmonary mycoses (actinomycosis), cystitis, and leishmaniasis.
Contraindications
Amphotericin B is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to the active substance, severe impairment of liver and kidney function, diseases of the hematopoietic system, diabetes mellitus and breastfeeding. The drug should not be used during pregnancy.
Side effects
Amphotericin B can cause various side effects. From the nervous system and sensory organs, headache, polyneuropathy, blurred vision and diplopia may appear. From the cardiovascular system and blood, arterial hypo- or hypertension, arrhythmia, ECG changes, anemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia may occur. From the gastrointestinal tract, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, epigastric pain, decreased appetite and increased activity of liver enzymes may appear. From the genitourinary system, renal dysfunction may occur, including increased serum creatinine concentrations, proteinuria, azotemia and acidosis. Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, angioedema and bronchospasm during inhalation may also occur. Other side effects include increased body temperature, chills, disturbances in blood electrolyte composition, including hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, thrombophlebitis at the injection site, sore throat, cough and runny nose during inhalation, as well as possible allergic reactions when applied topically.
Interaction
Amphotericin B may enhance the effect of cardiac glycosides and curare-like muscle relaxants. The drug is incompatible with nephrotoxic antibiotics and antitumor drugs.
Overdose
In case of an overdose of amphotericin B, symptoms may occur associated with increased side effects of the drug, such as impaired renal function, changes in blood composition, heart rhythm disturbances, and others. In case of overdose, it is necessary to immediately stop administering the drug and carry out symptomatic therapy.
special instructions
Before starting treatment with amphotericin B, it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination of the patient, including assessment of renal, hepatic and cardiovascular function. During treatment, it is necessary to regularly monitor these indicators, as well as blood composition and nervous system function. If renal function is impaired, a dosage adjustment of the drug or a break in treatment may be required.
Amphotericin B is not recommended for use concomitantly with other drugs that may affect renal or cardiovascular function, such as nephrotoxic antibiotics or cardiac glycosides.
It is also not recommended to use amphotericin B in patients with impaired liver or kidney function, or in elderly patients.
Conclusion
Amphotericin B is an effective antifungal drug that is used to treat a variety of fungal infections. However, the drug has many side effects and application features that must be taken into account when prescribing it. Patients receiving treatment with amphotericin B should be under close medical supervision and monitor their condition during treatment.