Amphotericin B is often used as fungicidal therapy for various invasive fungal infections.
Daily serum CBC, creatinine and electrolytes, including magnesium levels, and liver enzymes.
Infusion related symptoms including fever, rigors, nausea, emesis and headache.
Electrolyte abnormalities, including hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia with loss of bicarbonate may occur.
Nephrotoxicity
Anemia
Phlebitis
Use of concomitant nephrotoxins may increase risk of nephrotoxicity.
Concomitant use of digoxin can increase risk of digoxin toxicity and hypokalemia.
Antimicrobial class: Antifungal - Polyene
Average serum half life: 150 hours
Biliary penetration: Therapeutic
Lung penetration: Therapeutic
Urine penetration: Poor
Lipid formulations of Amphotericin B carry lower risk of infusion related reactions, nephrotoxicity and electrolyte disturbances than Amphotericin B deoxycholate.
Monitor electrolytes and volume status closely. Pre- and post-infusion hydration with 500mL normal saline can reduce risk of renal injury.
Lipid formulations of Amphotericin B have poor urinary penetration.
DO NOT mistake lipid based Amphotericin B for Amphotericin B deoxycholate - FORMULATIONS ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE