Amphotericin b Disease Interactions

Intravenous amphotericin B therapy may depress erythropoietin and red blood cell production and commonly causes a normocytic, normochromic anemia. Although the anemia is well tolerated by most patients and usually reverses completely within several months of stopping therapy, it may be problematic in patients with preexisting anemia. Intravenous therapy with amphotericin B should be administered cautiously in anemic patients or those predisposed to anemia. Frequent monitoring of blood counts and hemoglobin concentrations are recommended.

Intravenously administered amphotericin B is nephrotoxic and may commonly cause hypo- or hyperkalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalcemia secondary to renal impairment. Renal function and serum electrolytes should be closely monitored in all patients receiving intravenous therapy with amphotericin B, but in particular, those with preexisting renal and/or electrolyte abnormalities. Mineral and electrolyte supplementation is frequently required. Complications of electrolyte imbalances include muscle weakness, tetany, seizures and cardiac disturbances. Amphotericin B-related electrolyte abnormalities generally improve following cessation of therapy but may persist long after because of the drug's long terminal elimination half-life.

Intravenously administered amphotericin B is nephrotoxic and may commonly cause decreased renal function and abnormalities including azotemia, hypo- and hyperkalemia, hypomagnesemia, hyposthenuria, renal tubular acidosis, and nephrocalcinosis. Renal function should be closely monitored in all patients receiving intravenous therapy with amphotericin B but in particular, patients with preexisting renal impairment. Dosage reductions are recommended. Serum creatinine, BUN, potassium and magnesium levels should be evaluated frequently, and dosing adjusted or discontinued accordingly.