If drugs came to life – Meet Ampho-terrible the fungal foe that packs a punch! 🥊
🍄Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication that’s used to treat serious and life-threatening systemic fungal infections. But remember, with great power comes… well, some side effects! 😅
✨The two main side effects to watch out for are nephrotoxicity and infusion-related reactions such as chills and fevers (often referred to as ‘shake and bake’). Because of its large side effect profile, it is often referred to as Ampho-TERRIBLE.
✨Some key things to keep in mind:
-Liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) is a lipid formulation that a significantly improved toxicity profile compared to amphotericin B deoxycholate.
-Fevers, chills, and rigors are minimized by providing pre-medication with acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and/or hydrocortisone 30–60 minutes prior to amphotericin B infusion.
-The incidence and severity of nephrotoxicity can be reduced by providing 500–1000 mL bolus of normal saline before and after amphotericin B infusion.
-Because it precipitates in normal saline, it must be given in a solution with 5% dextrose in water.