amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum:

amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate is a liposomal formulation of the antifungal medication amphotericin B. It is used to treat serious fungal infections, including invasive aspergillosis, candidiasis, and cryptococcosis.

The spectrum of activity of amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate is broad and includes many different fungal species, including Aspergillus species, Candida species, Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Blastomyces dermatitidis.

amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate works by binding to ergosterol, a component of fungal cell membranes, which disrupts the integrity of the membrane and leads to fungal cell death.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency defined

>10%

Elevated serum creatinine (12-21%)

Hypokalemia (7-26%)

Fever (33-55%)

Hyperbilirubinemia (2-19%)

Tachycardia (9-12%)

Hypotension (9-12%)

Chills (50-77%)

Nausea (8-12%)

Abnormal LFTs (4-11%)

Vomiting (6-11%)

1-10%

Hypoxia (5-9%)

Headache (4-8%)

Dyspnea (4-9%)

Hypertension (7-9%)

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning

The black box warning for amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate highlights the risk of infusion-related reactions, including fever, chills, rigors, hypotension, and dyspnea.

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:

Amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate is an antifungal medication used to treat serious fungal infections. As with any medication, there are potential contraindications and cautions that should be considered before use. Some of the contraindications and cautions of amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate include:

• Hypersensitivity: Individuals who are hypersensitive or allergic to amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate should not use this medication.
• Renal impairment: Amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate is primarily excreted by the kidneys, so patients with renal impairment should be carefully monitored while using this medication.
• Hepatic impairment: Patients with hepatic impairment should be closely monitored while using amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate.
• Electrolyte imbalances: Amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate can cause electrolyte imbalances, especially with potassium and magnesium. Patients with existing imbalances should be carefully monitored while using this medication.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:    

Pregnancy Category: B

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown

Pregnancy Categories:     

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester.

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

limited information

Adminstartion

Patient Information Leaflet

Generic Name: amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate

Why do we use amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate?

amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate is used to treat severe systemic fungal infections, such as invasive candidiasis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcal meningitis, that are not responsive to other antifungal drugs.

amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that is effective against a wide range of fungal pathogens. However, its use is limited by its toxicity, which can cause kidney damage, electrolyte imbalances, and other adverse effects. The cholesteryl sulfate formulation of amphotericin B was developed to improve its safety profile while maintaining its efficacy.