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amphotericin - injection, Amphocin, Fungizone

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GENERIC NAME: AMPHOTERICIN - INJECTION (am-foe-TER-i-sin)

BRAND NAME(S): Amphocin, Fungizone

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Amphotericin should be used only to treat serious, possibly fatal fungal infections. This medication should not be used for less severe infections in limited areas of the body (e.g., fungal infection of the mouth/esophagus, vaginal yeast infections) in patients with normal white blood cell counts.

USES: See also Warning section.This medication is used to treat a variety of serious, possibly fatal fungal infections. It works by stopping the growth of fungi.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used to prevent fungal infections in patients with fevers and low white blood cell (neutrophil) counts or patients with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to HIV, organ transplant, or cancer).

HOW TO USE: This medication is given slowly into a vein (infusion) by a health care professional. Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluid. Before using this product, check it visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. If you have questions about the use of this medication, consult the pharmacist.Your doctor may give you a smaller dose first to test your response to the medication. This medication is usually given once a day or every other day over 2 to 6 hours. The total daily dose of the medication must not exceed 1.5 milligram per kilogram.Dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, response to the test dose, and response to therapy. If this medication is stopped for 7 days or longer, then it should be restarted at the lowest dose and slowly increased.It may be necessary to continue this medication for several weeks to several months in order to treat certain infections. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Fever, shaking, chills, flushing, loss of appetite, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, shortness of breath, or fast breathing may occur 1 to 3 hours after the infusion is started. In some cases, other medications (e.g., acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone) may be necessary to prevent or relieve these side effects. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: swelling/pain at injection site, muscle/joint pain, unusual tiredness, weakness, muscle cramping, change in the amount of urine, painful urination, numbness/tingling of arms/legs, vision changes, hearing changes (e.g., ringing in the ears).Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, swelling ankles/feet, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, cold sweats, blue lips, easy bruising/bleeding, other signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), mental/mood changes, seizures, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.