Amphotericin B belongs to a class of drugs known as antifungals. It slows down the growth of infection-causing fungi. Amphotericin B is an effective treatment for potentially severe and progressive fungal conditions. This medication is used to treat only severe infections.
American Integrative Pharmacy (AIP), led by Dr. Neema Yazdanpanah, provides compounding medications to patients in Long Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles, South Bay Orange County, Southern California areas, and nationwide.
How to Use Amphotericin B?
Amphotericin B injection is initially in the form of a solid powder cake. This is made into a solution which is injected intravenously (into a vein) by a physician or nurse. This medication is typically infused (slowly injected) into the veins over a duration of two to six hours once every day.
Before the patient receives their first dosage, the doctor may administer a test dose lasting for 20 to 30 minutes to understand the patient’s tolerance for this drug. The duration of the treatment is dependent on the overall health condition of the patient, how well they tolerate the medicine, and the form of infection they have.
Patients may have a reaction when they receive a dose of amphotericin B. Such reactions typically occur between one to three hours of starting the infusion. The first few doses cause a more serious reaction. The medical practitioner will prescribe further medications to alleviate these side-effects.
Patients must inform their physicians immediately if they experience any of these symptoms while on amphotericin B injection:
- Fever
- Chills
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Breathing problems
- Headaches
Patients may receive amphotericin B injection at home or in a hospital. If a patient prefers to use amphotericin B at home, the medical professional will explain how to infuse the medication to them. Patients must ensure that they comprehend these instructions, and ask for clarifications in case of any doubts. The patient can ask their healthcare practitioner for guidance on the steps to take in case there is a problem.
In case the symptoms do not improve or worsen while on amphotericin B, patients should inform their doctor. Patients should also inform their doctor if the symptoms of the infection persist after the amphotericin B injection dose is complete.
Special Precautions
Prior to receiving amphotericin B injection, patients should:
- Inform their physician and pharmacist if they are allergic to amphotericin B, any component of the amphotericin B injection, or any other drugs.
- Inform the physician and pharmacist about other prescription and non-prescription meds, supplements, herbal products, or vitamins that they presently take or intend to take. The physician may have to alter the medication doses as well as monitor the patient carefully for any side-effects.
- Inform the physician if they are receiving leukocyte (white blood cell) transfusions
- Inform the physician if they have or have ever had kidney disease
- Inform the physician if they are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. The patient should consult their doctor if they become pregnant while on amphotericin B injection. Breastfeeding while on this medication is not advisable.
- If they are considering surgery, including a dental procedure, the patient must inform the physician or dentist that they are currently receiving amphotericin B injection.
AIP receives patients from Long Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles, South Bay Orange County, Southern California areas, and nationwide for compounded medications.
For more information on compound pharmacy medications available or to make an online prescription purchase, please click here or call Toll Free 1-855-247-7948.
American Integrative Pharmacy is located in Lomita, CA serving residents in and around Orange County, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Torrance and surrounding areas. Online prescription sales are available across the US.
