Amphocin

Amphocin B belongs to a group of drugs known as antifungal drugs. It is used for the treatment of serious fungal infections. It is also used for some other medical conditions.

Amphotericin B is only available through a doctor’s prescription.

This medicine is available in two dosage forms:

• Injectable
• Powder for Solution

Like every other medication, amphotericin B has potential side effects. So, the benefits of a drug should always be weighed against its associated risks. Your doctor will consider these risks before prescribing the drug and will inform you about them. Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:

Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.

Age specific problems: The data regarding the effects of this medicine specific to the pediatric age group is not yet available. Similarly, there are no studies regarding the effects of amphotericin B specific to geriatric age group.

Pregnancy: Regarding the safety of its use in pregnant women, amphotericin B comes under “B” category, which means that clinical trials have shown no evidence of harm to the developing fetus or there is less number of authentic studies in this field.

Drug Interactions: Certain drugs should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect. On the other hand certain drugs are allowed to be used together. So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug.

The use of amphotericin B with following drugs is not recommended:

• Arsenic trioxide
• Foscarnet
• Cyclosporine

Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions. Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco.

You should also inform your doctor about any other medical condition you may be suffering from. Especially Kidney disease with may be worsened by this drugs.

Usually, a small test dose of amphotericin B is given to patient to see the reaction of the body to the drug. Then the dose may be increased according to the condition of the patient.

The dose of this drug varies according to the condition of each person. The number of doses per day, the time interval between the doses and the length of time you have to be injected with the medicine depends on your condition individually and all these factors should only be determined by your healthcare provider. Follow each and every instruction of your doctor and also read the label carefully.

Tell your doctor if your infection does not go away within 4 weeks or if it gets worse. In order to prevent a reinfection, the doctor may prescribe a powder or spray form of this drug which can be used every day after bathing and drying the affected area.

It is important to allow your doctor to monitor your progress and to make sure that there aren't any side effects from the medication. Tell your doctor if your symptoms have not improved even after taking the full course of treatment.

Avoid taking any other medicine unless thoroughly discussed with your doctor. Always ask your doctor before using any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicine.

"Amphotericin B has the tendency to cause a number of unwanted effects along with its desired effects. Although these side effects may occur only in a handful of patients but if they do occur, contact your physician immediately.
This medication is associated with following side effects:

With intravenous injection:

• headache
• fever and chills
• increased or decreased urination
• muscle cramps
• irregular heartbeat
• nausea
• fatigue
• pain at the place of injection
• vomiting
• blurring of vision
• seizures
• skin rash or itching
• numbness, tingling, weakness in hands or feet
• sore throat and fever
• shortness of breath
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Following side effects can occur with the spinal injection of amphotericin B:

• difficult urination
• blurred vision
• numbness, pain, tingling, or weakness
• dizziness
• headache

Seek medical help instantly, if you experience any of these symptoms while on this medicine. Also contact your healthcare professional immediately, if have overdosed on this drug.