How to Order Prescriptions
Description
Amphotericin B Injection is a prescription antifungal medication used by veterinarians for the management of serious systemic fungal infections.
Amphotericin B is a polyene antifungal that is active against many important fungal organisms. In veterinary medicine, it may be used for progressive or disseminated fungal infections, including certain cases of blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, coccidioidomycosis, candidiasis, and other susceptible fungal infections.
Because Amphotericin B can cause significant adverse effects, particularly kidney toxicity, treatment requires careful veterinary supervision and appropriate laboratory monitoring.
Uses & Benefits
- Used for serious systemic fungal infections
- Provides broad antifungal activity against many susceptible fungal organisms
- May be used in dogs and cats with progressive or disseminated fungal disease
- May be used in horses for certain fungal infections
- May be incorporated into combination antifungal therapy when appropriate
- Injectable formulation provides systemic antifungal therapy when veterinarian-directed treatment is required
How It Works
Amphotericin B is a polyene antifungal medication.
It works primarily by binding to ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membranes. This disrupts the integrity and permeability of the fungal cell membrane, allowing essential cellular components and electrolytes to leak from the fungal cell.
The resulting cellular damage inhibits fungal growth and can lead to fungal cell death.
Indications
For veterinary use as prescribed by a licensed veterinarian for serious infections caused by susceptible fungal organisms.
Amphotericin B may be used in dogs, cats, horses, and other veterinarian-determined species for certain systemic or deep fungal infections.
Veterinary use should be carefully monitored because of the potential for significant toxicity.
Ingredients
Active Ingredients:
Amphotericin B
Inactive Ingredients:
Conventional Amphotericin B for Injection formulations may contain:
- Deoxycholic Acid / Dibasic Sodium Phosphate / Monobasic Sodium Phosphate Monohydrate / Phosphoric Acid / Sodium Hydroxide / Nitrogen
Inactive ingredients may vary by manufacturer. Refer to the manufacturer label for the exact formulation of the product dispensed.
Directions
For veterinary professional administration only.
Administer exactly as prescribed and directed by the veterinarian.
Amphotericin B requires proper reconstitution and dilution before intravenous administration.
The preparation, dilution, route of administration, infusion rate, frequency, and duration of therapy depend on the formulation being used, the animal's species, fungal infection, renal function, response to treatment, and other clinical factors.
Amphotericin B products are available in different formulations, including conventional and lipid-based formulations. These products may have different dosing, preparation, and administration requirements and should not be considered interchangeable.
Kidney function, hydration status, electrolytes, and other laboratory parameters should be monitored throughout therapy.
Dosage must be determined by the veterinarian.
Administer exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Follow all dosing and administration instructions provided on the prescription label and by your veterinarian. Do not adjust the dose, frequency, route, or duration of administration unless directed by your veterinarian.
Cautions
- For veterinary use only.
- Federal law restricts this medication to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
- Amphotericin B can cause serious kidney toxicity. Renal function should be carefully evaluated before and throughout treatment.
- Use cautiously in animals with pre-existing kidney disease, dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, or other significant medical conditions.
- Different formulations of Amphotericin B may have substantially different dosing and administration requirements. Verify the exact product before preparation or administration.
- Keep out of reach of children and animals.
Possible Side Effects
Possible side effects may include:
- Kidney damage or decreased kidney function / Increased BUN or creatinine / Electrolyte abnormalities / Fever / Nausea / Vomiting / Decreased appetite / Lethargy / Chills or infusion-related reactions / Low blood pressure / Anemia / Changes in heart rate or rhythm / Injection or infusion-related reactions
Nephrotoxicity is one of the most important adverse effects associated with conventional Amphotericin B therapy.
Contact the veterinarian immediately if significant adverse effects or unexpected changes occur during treatment.
Precautions
- Administer only under veterinary supervision
- Verify the exact Amphotericin B formulation before preparation and administration
- Do not substitute conventional and lipid-based formulations on a mg-for-mg basis
- Monitor kidney function throughout therapy
- Monitor BUN and creatinine as directed
- Monitor electrolytes and hydration status
- Additional bloodwork and urinalysis may be required during treatment
- Use cautiously with other medications that can adversely affect kidney function
- Maintain appropriate hydration as directed by the veterinarian
- Use in pregnant, breeding, or nursing animals should be determined by the veterinarian
- Follow appropriate sterile technique during preparation and administration
Storage
Store the unreconstituted product protected from light and according to the temperature requirements on the specific manufacturer label. Amphotericin B is light sensitive. Storage requirements after reconstitution and dilution depend on the specific manufacturer and preparation method. Follow the manufacturer labeling and veterinary pharmacy instructions carefully for storage, stability, and handling after preparation.
Disposal
Dispose of unused, expired, or partially used Amphotericin B and associated needles, syringes, vials, and administration supplies according to applicable pharmaceutical and medical waste requirements.
Place needles and other sharps immediately into an approved sharps disposal container.
Do not use medication beyond its labeled expiration or applicable beyond-use time after preparation.