- Amphotericin
Amphotericin
- Mechanism of Action: Anti-fungal; binds to ergosterol in fungal membranes and causes intracellular contents to leak out.
- Indications: used for severe or disseminated fungal infections (invasive aspergillosis, cryptococcal meningitis, blastomycosis, coccidiomycosis)
- Contraindications: allergy to class/drug
- Dosage: Dosage varies significantly based on formulation. Generally, a single test dosage (1 mg in 20 mL of 5% dextrose) is infused over 20-30 minutes with close monitoring. If tolerated, then give a single daily dosage of 0.25mg/kg.
- Half-life: Up to 14 days; depending on dosage
- Adverse Reactions: Associated with significant renal toxicity. May also cause fever, chills, muscle rigor, and hypotension
- Special Considerations: May cause hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. Should be supplemented with potassium and magnesium. IV fluids help minimize nephrotoxicity.
*Deep Dive: Amphotericin B (Drugs.com)
Physician assistant student at Duke University (Class of 2022). Army National Guard Medic. Former paramedic. Devoted to learning and sharing evidence-based medicine.
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