Amphotericin B Liposome
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Amphotericin B Liposome
- Brand Names
- Amphotericin B Liposome
- Drug Class
- Lipid-based Polyene Antifungal [EPC], Polyene Antifungal [EPC]
- Route
- INTRAVENOUS
- Dosage Form
- INJECTION, POWDER, LYOPHILIZED, FOR SUSPENSION
- Product Type
- HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG
Description
DESCRIPTION Amphotericin B liposome for injection is a sterile, non-pyrogenic, yellow lyophilized product for intravenous infusion. Each vial contains amphotericin B, USP, 50 milligrams (mg), intercalated into a liposomal membrane consisting of alpha tocopherol, USP approximately 0.64 mg; cholesterol, NF, 52 mg; distearoyl phosphatidylglycerol sodium salt 86.48 mg; hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine 213 mg, together with disodium succinate hexahydrate, NF, 27 mg; and sucrose, NF, 900 mg. Amphotericin B liposome for injection may also contain hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide as pH adjusters. Each 1 mL of reconstituted Amphotericin B liposome for injection contains 1 mg of sodium and less than 5 mg of phosphorus. Following reconstitution with Sterile Water for Injection, USP, the resulting pH of the suspension is between 5-6. Amphotericin B liposome for injection is a true single bilayer liposomal drug delivery system. Liposomes are closed, spherical vesicles created by mixing specific proportions of amphophilic substances such as phospholipids and cholesterol so that they arrange themselves into multiple concentric bilayer membranes when hydrated in aqueous solutions. Single bilayer liposomes are then formed by microemulsification of multilamellar vesicles using a homogenizer. Amphotericin B liposome for injection consists of these unilamellar bilayer liposomes with amphotericin B intercalated within the membrane. Due to the nature and quantity of amphophilic substances used, and the lipophilic moiety in the amphotericin B molecule, the drug is an integral part of the overall structure of the amphotericin B liposomes. Amphotericin B liposome for injection contains true liposomes that are less than 100 nm in diameter. A schematic depiction of the liposome is presented below. Note: Liposomal encapsulation or incorporation into a lipid complex can substantially affect a drug’s functional properties relative to those of the unencapsulated drug or non-lipid...
What Is Amphotericin B Liposome Used For?
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Amphotericin B liposome for injection is indicated for the following:
Dosage and Administration
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. An in-line membrane filter may be used for the intravenous infusion of amphotericin B liposome for injection, provided THE MEAN PORE DIAMETER OF THE FILTER IS NOT LESS THAN 1.0 MICRON. NOTE: An existing intravenous line must be flushed with 5% Dextrose Injection prior to infusion of amphotericin B liposome for injection. If this is not feasible, amphotericin B liposome for injection must be administered through a separate line. Infusion time may be reduced to approximately 60 minutes in patients in whom the treatment is well-tolerated. If the patient experiences discomfort during infusion, the duration of infusion may be increased. The recommended initial dose of amphotericin B liposome for injection for each indication for adult and pediatric patients is as follows: Indication Dose (mg/kg/day) Empirical therapy 3 Systemic fungal infections: Aspergillus Candida Cryptococcus 3 to 5 Cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-infected patients (see DESCRIPTION OF CLINICAL STUDIES ) 6 Dosing and rate of infusion should be individualized to the needs of the specific patient to ensure maximum efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicities or adverse events. Doses recommended for visceral leishmaniasis are presented below: Visceral Leishmaniasis Dose (mg/kg/day) Immunocompetent patients 3 (days 1 to 5) and 3 on days 14, 21 Immunocompromised patients 4 (days 1 to 5) and 4 on days 10, 17, 24, 31, 38 For immunocompetent patients who do not achieve parasitic clearance with the recommended dose, a repeat course of therapy may be useful. For immunocompromised patients who do not clear parasites or who experience relapses, expert advice regarding further treatment is recommended. For additional information, see DESCRIPTION OF CLINICAL STUDIES . Directions for Reconstitution, Filtration and Dilution Read This Entire Section Carefully Before Beginning Reconstitution Amphotericin B liposome for injection must be reconstituted using Sterile Water for Injection, USP (without a bacteriostatic agent). Vials of amphotericin B liposome for injection containing 50 mg of amphotericin B are prepared as follows: Reconstitution 1. Aseptically add 12 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, USP to each amphotericin B liposome for injection vial to yield a preparation containing 4 mg amphotericin B/mL. CAUTION: DO NOT RECONSTITUTE WITH SALINE OR ADD SALINE TO THE RECONSTITUTED CONCENTRATION, OR MIX WITH OTHER DRUGS. The use of any solution other than those recommended, or the presence of a bacteriostatic agent in the solution, may cause precipitation of...
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
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, multi-center study in febrile, neutropenic patients. Amphotericin B liposome for injection and amphotericin B were infused over two hours. The incidence of common adverse events (incidence of 10% or greater) occurring with amphotericin B liposome for injection compared to amphotericin B deoxycholate, regardless of relationship to study drug, is shown in the following table: Empirical Therapy Study 94-0-002 Common Adverse Events Adverse Event by Body System Amphotericin B Liposome for Injection N = 343 % Amphotericin B N = 344 % Body as a Whole Abdominal pain 19.8 21.8 Asthenia 13.1 10.8 Back pain 12 7.3 Blood product transfusion reaction 18.4 18.6 Chills 47.5 75.9 Infection 11.1 9.3 Pain 14 12.8 Sepsis 14 11.3 Cardiovascular System Chest pain 12 11.6 Hypertension 7.9 16.3 Hypotension 14.3 21.5 Tachycardia 13.4 20.9 Digestive System Diarrhea 30.3 27.3 Gastrointestinal hemorrhage 9.9 11.3 Nausea 39.7 38.7 Vomiting 31.8 43.9 Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders Alkaline phosphatase increased 22.2 19.2 ALT (SGPT) increased 14.6 14 AST (SGOT) increased 12.8 12.8 Bilirubinemia 18.1 19.2 BUN increased 21 31.1 Creatinine increased 22.4 42.2 Edema 14.3 14.8 Hyperglycemia 23 27.9 Hypernatremia 4.1 11 Hypervolemia 12.2 15.4 Hypocalcemia 18.4 20.9 Hypokalemia 42.9 50.6 Hypomagnesemia 20.4 25.6 Peripheral edema 14.6 17.2 Nervous System Anxiety 13.7 11 Confusion 11.4 13.4 Headache 19.8 20.9 Insomnia 17.2 14.2 Respiratory System Cough increased 17.8 21.8 Dyspnea 23 29.1 Epistaxis 14.9 20.1 Hypoxia 7.6 14.8 Lung disorder 17.8 17.4 Pleural effusion 12.5 9.6 Rhinitis 11.1 11 Skin and Appendages Pruritus 10.8 10.2 Rash 24.8 24.4 Sweating 7 10.8 Urogenital System Hematuria 14 14 Amphotericin B liposome for injection was well tolerated. Amphotericin B liposome for injection had a lower incidence of chills, hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia, hypoxia, hypokalemia, and various events related to decreased kidney function as compared to amphotericin B deoxycholate. In pediatric patients (16 years of age or less) in this double-blind study, amphotericin B liposome for injection compared to amphotericin B deoxycholate, had a lower incidence of hypokalemia (37% versus 55%), chills (29% versus 68%), vomiting (27% versus 55%), and hypertension (10% versus 21%). Similar trends, although with a somewhat lower incidence, were observed in open-label, randomized Study 104-14 involving 205 febrile neutropenic pediatric patients (141 treated with amphotericin B liposome for injection and 64 treated with amphotericin B deoxycholate). Pediatric patients appear to have more tolerance than older individuals for the nephrotoxic effects of amphotericin B deoxycholate. The following adverse events are based on the experience of 244 patients (202 adult and 42 pediatric patients) of whom 85 patients were treated with amphotericin B liposome for injection 3 mg/kg, 81 patients were treated with amphotericin B liposome for injection 5 mg/kg and 78 patients were treated with amphotericin B lipid complex 5 mg/kg in Study 97-0-034, a randomized, double-blind, multi-center study in febrile, neutropenic patients. Amphotericin B liposome for injection and amphotericin B lipid complex were infused over two hours. The incidence of adverse events occurring in more than 10% of subjects in one or more arms, regardless of relationship to study drug, are summarized in the following table: Empirical Therapy Study 97-0-034 Common Adverse Events Adverse Event by Body System Amphotericin B Liposome for Injection 3 mg/kg/day N = 85 % Amphotericin B Liposome for Injection 5 mg/kg/day N = 81 % Amphotericin B Lipid...
Warnings and Precautions
WARNINGS Anaphylaxis has been reported with amphotericin B deoxycholate and other amphotericin B-containing drugs, including amphotericin B liposome for injection. If a severe anaphylactic reaction occurs, the infusion should be immediately discontinued and the patient should not receive further infusions of amphotericin B liposome for injection.
Drug 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. Corticosteroids and Corticotropin (ACTH) Concurrent use of corticosteroids and ACTH may potentiate hypokalemia, which could predispose the patient to cardiac dysfunction. If used concomitantly, serum electrolytes and cardiac function should be closely monitored. Digitalis Glycosides Concurrent use may induce hypokalemia and may potentiate digitalis toxicity. When administered concomitantly, serum potassium levels should be closely monitored. Flucytosine Concurrent use of flucytosine may increase the toxicity of flucytosine by possibly increasing its cellular uptake and/or impairing its renal excretion. Azoles ( e.g ., ketoconazole , miconazole , clotrimazole , fluconazole , etc.) In vitro and in vivo animal studies of the combination of amphotericin B and imidazoles suggest that imidazoles may induce fungal resistance to amphotericin B. Combination therapy should be administered with caution, especially in immunocompromised patients. Leukocyte Transfusions Acute pulmonary toxicity has been reported in patients simultaneously receiving intravenous amphotericin B and leukocyte transfusions. Other Nephrotoxic Medications Concurrent use of amphotericin B and other nephrotoxic medications may enhance the potential for drug-induced renal toxicity. Intensive monitoring of renal function is recommended in patients requiring any combination of nephrotoxic medications. Skeletal Muscle Relaxants Amphotericin B-induced hypokalemia may enhance the curariform effect of skeletal muscle relaxants (e.g. tubocurarine) due to hypokalemia. When administered concomitantly, serum potassium levels should be closely monitored.
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.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy There have been no adequate and well-controlled studies of amphotericin B liposome for injection in pregnant women. Systemic fungal infections have been successfully treated in pregnant women with amphotericin B deoxycholate, but the number of cases reported has been small. Segment II studies in both rats and rabbits have concluded that amphotericin B liposome for injection had no teratogenic potential in these species. In rats, the maternal non-toxic dose of amphotericin B liposome for injection was estimated to be 5 mg/kg (equivalent to 0.16 to 0.8 times the recommended human clinical dose range of 1 to 5 mg/kg) and in rabbits, 3 mg/kg (equivalent to 0.2 to 1 times the recommended human clinical dose range), based on body surface area correction. Rabbits receiving the higher doses, (equivalent to 0.5 to 2 times the recommended human dose) of amphotericin B liposome for injection experienced a higher rate of spontaneous abortions than did the control groups. Amphotericin B liposome for injection should only be used during pregnancy if the possible benefits to be derived outweigh the potential risks involved.
Nursing Mothers Many drugs are excreted in human milk; however, it is not known whether amphotericin B liposome for injection is excreted in human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or whether to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Overdosage
OVERDOSAGE The toxicity of amphotericin B liposome for injection due to overdose has not been defined. Repeated daily doses up to 10 mg/kg in pediatric patients and 15 mg/kg in adult patients have been administered in clinical trials with no reported dose-related toxicity. Management If overdosage should occur, cease administration immediately. Symptomatic supportive measures should be instituted. Particular attention should be given to monitoring renal function. Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis do not appear to significantly affect the elimination of amphotericin B liposome for injection.
How Supplied
HOW SUPPLIED Amphotericin B liposome for injection is a sterile, non-pyrogenic, yellow lyophilized product for intravenous infusion and is available as an individual carton (NDC 67457-926-50) and in packs of ten individual cartons (NDC 67457-926-99). Each individual carton contains one pre-packaged, disposable sterile 5 micron filter. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Rx only Manufactured for: Mylan Institutional LLC Morgantown, WV 26505 U.S.A. Manufactured by: Mylan Laboratories Limited Bangalore, India 50105038 JUNE 2025
About This Information
This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.
What are side effects?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.
What are drug interactions?
Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.