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| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
| Contents of this page: | |
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.--
+ Not commercially available in Canada.
Amphotericin (am-foe-TER-i-sin) B belongs to the family of medicines called antifungals. Amphotericin B topical preparations are used to treat fungus infections.
Amphotericin B is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For amphotericin B, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to amphotericin B. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.
Pregnancy--Amphotericin B topical preparations have not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.
Breast-feeding--It is not known whether amphotericin B passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are using this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children--Although there is no specific information comparing use of amphotericin B topical preparations in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.
Older adults--Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of topical amphotericin B preparations in the elderly with use in other age groups, these preparations are not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than they do in younger adults.
Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used
together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to
change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care
professional if you are using any other topical prescription or nonprescription
(over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine that is to be applied to the same area of
the skin. Apply enough
amphotericin B to cover the affected areas, and rub in gently. Do not apply an occlusive dressing (airtight covering
such as kitchen plastic wrap) over this medicine
since it may cause
irritation of the skin. If you have any questions about this, check with your
doctor. To help clear up your infection completely,
it is very
important that you keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment
, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. Since fungus
infections may be very slow to clear up, you may have to continue using this
medicine every day for several months or longer. If you stop using this medicine
too soon, your symptoms may return.
Do not miss any doses
. Do not use this product in your eyes. Dosing--The dose of topical amphotericin B will be
different for different
patients.
Follow your doctor's orders or the directions
on the label
. The following information includes only the average doses
of topical amphotericin B.
If your dose is different,
do not change it
unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Missed dose--If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as
soon as possible. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage--To store this medicine:
If your
skin problem does not improve within 1 to 2 weeks, or if it becomes worse,
check with your doctor. When amphotericin B is rubbed into the affected skin areas, it may stain
the skin slightly, especially if it is applied to areas on or around the nails.
It may also stain the nails. For patients using the
cream or lotion form
of this medicine:
Proper Use of This Medicine
Precautions While Using This Medicine
For patients using the ointment form of this medicine:
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Burning, itching, redness, or other sign of irritation not present before use of this medicine
Rare
Skin rash
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if the following side effect continues or is bothersome:
Less common--for cream only
Dryness of skin
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Revised: 06/10/99
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