Amphotericin B

Brand Names: Amphotericin B

Drug Class: Lipid-based Polyene Antifungal

Overview

DESCRIPTION Amphotericin B liposome for injection is a sterile, non-pyrogenic lyophilized product for intravenous infusion. Each vial contains amphotericin B, USP 50 milligrams (mg), intercalated into a liposomal membrane consisting of alpha tocopherol approximately 0.64 mg; cholesterol 52 mg; distearoylphosphatidylglycerol, sodium salt 84 mg; hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine 213 mg, together...

Mechanism of Action

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Pharmacokinetics The assay used to measure amphotericin B in the serum after administration of amphotericin B liposome for injection does not distinguish amphotericin B that is complexed with the phospholipids of amphotericin B liposome for injection from amphotericin B that is uncomplexed. The pharmacokinetic profile of amphotericin B after administration of amphotericin B liposome for injection is based upon total serum concentrations of amphotericin B. The pharmacokinetic profile of amphotericin B was determined in febrile neutropenic cancer and bone marrow transplant patients who received 1 to 2 hour infusions of 1 mg/kg/day to 5 mg/kg/day amphotericin B liposome for injection for 3 to 20 days.

Indications

  • INDICATIONS AND USAGE Amphotericin B liposome for injection is indicated for the following: Empirical therapy for presumed fungal infection in febrile, neutropenic patients. Treatment of Cryptococcal Meningitis in HIV-infected patients (see DESCRIPTION OF CLINICAL STUDIES) . Treatment of patients with Aspergillus species, Candida species and/or Cryptococcus species infections (see above for the treatment of Cryptococcal Meningitis) refractory to amphotericin B deoxycholate, or in patients where renal impairment or unacceptable toxicity precludes the use of amphotericin B deoxycholate.

Common Doses

  • 50 mg
  • 12 mL
  • 4 mg
  • 1 mg

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Amphotericin B liposome for injection is not interchangeable or substitutable on a mg per mg basis with other amphotericin B products. Different amphotericin B products are not equivalent in terms of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and dosing. Amphotericin B liposome for injection should be administered by intravenous infusion, using a controlled infusion device, over a period of approximately 120 minutes.

Contraindications

  • CONTRAINDICATIONS Amphotericin B liposome for injection is contraindicated in those patients who have demonstrated or have a known hypersensitivity to amphotericin B deoxycholate or any other constituents of the product unless, in the opinion of the treating physician, the benefit of therapy outweighs the risk.

Side Effects

  • ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse events are based on the experience of 592 adult patients (295 treated with amphotericin B liposome for injection and 297 treated with amphotericin B deoxycholate) and 95 pediatric patients (48 treated with amphotericin B liposome for injection and 47 treated with amphotericin B deoxycholate) in Study 94-0-002, a randomized double-blind, multicenter study in febrile, neutropenic patients. Amphotericin B liposome for injection and amphotericin B were infused over two hours.

Interactions

  • Drug Interactions No formal clinical studies of drug interactions have been conducted with amphotericin B liposome for injection; however, the following drugs are known to interact with amphotericin B and may interact with amphotericin B liposome for injection: Antineoplastic Agents Concurrent use of antineoplastic agents may enhance the potential for renal toxicity, bronchospasm, and hypotension. Antineoplastic agents should be given concomitantly with caution.