Dosing & Uses
Dosing Form & Strengths
injectable, lipid complex
- 5mg/mL
Systemic Fungal Infection
Indicated for invasive fungal infection refractory to conventional amphotericin B desoxycholate therapy or when renal impairment or unacceptable toxicity precludes use conventional amphotericin B
5 mg/kg IV qDay; infuse IV at rate of 2.5 mg/kg/hr
Renal Impairment
CrCl <10 mL/min: 5 mg/kg IV q24-36hr
Other Indications & Uses
Activity shown in vitro for Aspergillus and Candida species
Activity shown in animal models for Cryptococcus sp, Coccidioidomyces sp, Histoplasma sp, and Blastomyces sp
Dosing Form & Strengths
injectable, lipid complex
- 5mg/mL
Systemic Fungal Infection
Indicated for invasive fungal infection refractory to conventional amphotericin B desoxycholate therapy or when renal impairment or unacceptable toxicity precludes use conventional amphotericin B
As adults; 5 mg/kg IV qDay; infuse IV at rate of 2.5 mg/kg/hr
Renal Impairment
CrCl <10 mL/min: 5 mg/kg IV q24-36hr
Other Indications & Uses
Activity shown in vitro for Aspergillus and Candida species
Activity shown in animal models for Cryptococcus sp, Coccidioidomyces sp, Histoplasma sp, and Blastomyces sp
Adverse Effects
>10%
Chills (18%)
Fever (14%)
Multiple organ failure (11%)
Serum creatinine increased (11%)
1-10%
Nausea (9%)
Hypotension (8%)
Respiratory Failure (8%)
Vomiting (8%)
Dyspnea (7%)
Sepsis (7%)
Diarrhea (6%)
Headache (6%)
Heart Arrest (6%)
Hypertension (5%)
Hypokalemia (5%)
Infection (5%)
Kidney Failure (5%)
Pain (5%)
Thrombocytopenia (5%)
Abdominal Pain (4%)
Anemia (4%)
Bilirubinemia (4%)
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage (4%)
Leukopenia (4%)
Rash (4%)
Respiratory Disorder (4%)
Chest Pain (3%)
Nausea (3%)
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
Indicated for patients with progressive and potentially fatal fungal infections
Do not use for noninvasive fungal infections (eg, oral thrush, vaginal candidiasis, esophageal candidiasis) in patients with normal neurophil counts
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: B
Lactation: Unknown whether distributed in breast milk, caution advised
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Half-Life: 173.4 hr
Vd: 131 L/kg
AUC: 14 mcg•h/mL
Peak Plasma Concentration: 1.7 mcg/mL
Trough Plasma Concentration: 0.6 mcg/mL
Clearance: 436 mL/hr•kg
Mechanism of Action
Acts by binding to sterols in fungal cell membrane
Administration
IV Incompatibilities
Solution: NaCl solutions or electrolyte solutions
IV Compatibilities
Solution: Dextrose solutions
Y-site: anidulafungin
IV Preparation
Shake vial gently until no yellow sediment visible at bottom
Withdraw dose from vial(s) into 1 or more 20 mL syringes using 18-gauge needle
Remove needle from syringe and attach 5-micron filter needle provided; 1 filter may be used for up to 4 vials
Insert filter needle into D5W IV bag of appropriate volume for dose and empty contents
Final concentration should not exceed 1 mg/mL; concentration of 2 mg/mL may be appropriate for children or fluid restricted patients
Do not use NaCl or electrolyte-containing fluids
Do not admix with other drugs or electrolytes
Do not use if precipitate or foreign matter present
IV Administration
Administer using separate infusion line; if an existing IV line is used, flush with D5W before infusion
Do not use inline filter during administration
Infusion rate: 2.5 mg/kg/hr
Prior to infusion initiation, gently shake IV container of diluted drug until contents are thoroughly mixed; infusion container should then be shaken every 2 hr if infusion time >2 hr
Do not mix with 0.9% NaCl or infuse in same IV line as other drugs
Storage
Prior to admixture, store refrigerated at 36-46°F (2- 8°C) and protected from light
Admixed with D5W, stable up to 48 hr when refrigerated at 36-46°F (2- 8°C) or up to 6 hr at room temp
Do not freeze
Images
Patient Handout
amphotericin B lipid complex intravenous
AMPHOTERICIN/LIPID COMPLEX - INJECTION
(AM-foe-TER-i-sin/LIP-id)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Abelcet, Ambisome, Amphotec
USES: This medication is used to treat a variety of serious fungal infections. It is often used in patients who cannot tolerate or who do not respond to the regular amphotericin treatment. It works by stopping the growth of fungi.
HOW TO USE: This medication is usually given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. It should be injected slowly over 2 hours. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.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.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
SIDE EFFECTS: Fever, shaking, chills, flushing, loss of appetite, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, shortness of breath, or fast breathing may occur 1 to 2 hours after the infusion is started. In some cases, other medications (including acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone) may be necessary to prevent or relieve these side effects. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor 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 right away if you have any serious side effects, including: swelling/pain at injection site, muscle/joint pain, unusual tiredness, weakness, muscle cramping, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, painful urination), numbness/tingling of arms/legs, vision changes, hearing changes (such as ringing in the ears), 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 (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever), mental/mood changes, seizures, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away 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 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using amphotericin/lipid complex, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: white blood cell (leukocyte) transfusions, heart disease (such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure), liver disease, kidney disease.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: anti-cancer drugs (such as mechlorethamine, nitrogen mustard), azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole), cidofovir, digoxin, flucytosine, medications that affect the kidneys (including pentamidine, tacrolimus, aminoglycosides such as gentamicin), muscle relaxants (such as tubocurarine), zidovudine.This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as a phosphate levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function, potassium/magnesium levels, complete blood counts) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised September 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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