If drugs came to life – Meet Ampho-terrible the fungal foe that packs a punch! 🥊 ⁠
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🍄Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication that’s used to treat serious and life-threatening systemic fungal infections. But remember, with great power comes… well, some side effects! 😅⁠
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✨The two main side effects to watch out for are nephrotoxicity and infusion-related reactions such as chills and fevers (often referred to as ‘shake and bake’). Because of its large side effect profile, it is often referred to as Ampho-TERRIBLE. ⁠
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✨Some key things to keep in mind:⁠
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-Liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) is a lipid formulation that a significantly improved toxicity profile compared to amphotericin B deoxycholate. ⁠
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-Fevers, chills, and rigors are minimized by providing pre-medication with acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and/or hydrocortisone 30–60 minutes prior to amphotericin B infusion.⁠
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-The incidence and severity of nephrotoxicity can be reduced by providing 500–1000 mL bolus of normal saline before and after amphotericin B infusion.⁠
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-Because it precipitates in normal saline, it must be given in a solution with 5% dextrose in water.⁠