Liposomal Amphotericin B is an antifungal antibiotic. FDA approved this medicine on 11th August 1997 for its medical use.

It is used to treat fungal infections of one or more deep body organs. It is also used to treat suspected fungal infections in patients with a raised temperature and neutropenia (reduced number of white blood cells). It is also indicated to treat visceral leishmaniasis, a disease caused by a parasite in certain people.  

Liposomal Amphotericin B Injection 

A doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic setting will give it to you. It is given as an intravenous infusion drip (into your vein). Do not self-administer the injection. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease severity, body weight, and other factors. 

Liposomal Amphotericin B gel

Always follow your doctor's instructions. Before using the medication, clean and dry the affected region. It is only for external usage. On the affected area, a thin layer of medicine must be applied. It is not necessary to cover treated areas with a plaster or bandage. Hands should be washed before and after application. Avoid using this medication near your eyes, including your eyelids, nose, and mouth.

Common side effects of liposomal amphotericin B injection are skin rash, increased blood sugar levels, decreased potassium levels, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, anemia, insomnia, shortness of breath, fever, chills, or shivering. Other serious side effects are cardiac arrest, GI bleeding, severe skin reactions, and acute kidney injury. The most common side effects of liposomal amphotericin B gel are skin itching, swelling, redness in the skin, burning, and irritation.

Do not receive this injection if you are allergic to amphotericin B or any of the other ingredients in the medicine. Inform your physician if you have a severe allergic reaction, kidney or liver problems, and if you are having dialysis. Tell your doctor if you have low potassium levels. This injection may cause severe infusion reactions such as flushing, itching, sickness, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, and airways, and difficulty breathing. Inform your physician immediately if you face any of these symptoms.

Before initiating your first treatment, your physician may give you a small amount of liposomal amphotericin B to check for allergic reactions. This medicine contains sugar in each vial; tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before initiating the treatment.

Your doctor will decide the dose and quantity of the liposomal amphotericin B gel based on your disease condition. Before applying, the affected region should be clean and dry. You must thoroughly wash your hands before and after using this medication. To avoid reinfection, keep taking this medication even if your symptoms improve.

Do not store above (25°C). keep the injection away from the reach of children and pets. This medicine may cause damage to the kidney. Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems. It may be necessary to continue this medication for several weeks to several months 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. If you miss a dose of the gel, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

1. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Chemotherapy of protozoal infections, 12th edition, 2011, 1424.
2. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antifungal drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 787-788.
3. Gilead Sciences International Ltd, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on Sept 2020] [ Accessed on 11th June 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1022.pdf
4. Gilead Sciences, Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on Oct 2008] [ Accessed on 11th June 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/050740s016lbl.pdf
5. Lifecare innovations; Accessed on June 12th 2023; https://www.lifecareinnovations.com/mucormycosis.php
6. Falah Hasan et al; Topical Amphotericin B formulas: Promising new application; Published on August 2019; Accessed on June 12th 2023; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334882993_Topical_Amphotericin_B_formulas_Promising_new_application

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.