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This handout explains what Amphotericin B is and how to use it. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor, respiratory therapist or pharmacist.
Amphotericin B
Amphotericin B (am-fo-ter-i-sin) is an antifungal medicine. It is used to treat infections caused by many types of fungus such as Candida or Aspergillus. This medicine kills the fungus by stopping its growth. It is sometimes used to control frequent lung infections that occur with cystic fibrosis (CF) or after lung transplant surgery.
What You Need
This comes in premixed syringes that have 2.5 mg of amphotericin B per 0.5 m.
Supplies Needed
For one 2.5 mg treatment:
Premixed Syringe (2.5 mg/0.5 mL)
Sterile Water for Inhalation Unit Dose Packets 5 mL
How to Mix or Prepare
Because these are premixed, you do not have to do anything.
How to Nebulize
Premixed Syringe (2.5 mg/0.5 mL)
Inject the 0.5 mL syringe contents into the nebulizer reservoir.
Pour Sterile Water for Inhalation 2.5 mL (1/2 packet) into the medicine reservoir of the nebulizer.
Throw away the rest of unused sterile water
Put the nebulizer together and start the treatment.
Tips
Take slow, deep breaths while you inhale the medicine into your lungs.
A treatment takes about 10-15 minutes (cup is empty).
Hold the cup upright so that the medicine does not spill.
If the medicine sticks to the sides of the cup, gently tap the side of the cup.
A new syringe should be used for each treatment.
Follow the instructions from your health care provider on how often to nebulize.
How to Store
You can store these premixed syringes in the fridge for up to two weeks. After the beyond use date (BUD) on the syringe, the drug can’t be used and should be thrown away.
When to Use
This medicine should be used on a regular basis to help control fungal lung infections. If you use a bronchodilator inhaler, use it before the nebulizer.
Your symptoms should improve as you keep doing this treatment. If your infection does not improve, or gets worse, call your doctor.
Side Effects
When inhaled, this medicine may cause some irritation to the lungs, or a cough. If these occur, tell your doctor or respiratory therapist right away.
How to Clean and Disinfect the Small Volume Nebulizer
It is important to keep your nebulizer clean. Take apart the nebulizer and rinse the parts with hot water after each treatment.
To Clean
Take the nebulizer apart and wash the pieces in warm soapy water.
Rinse with hot tap water.
Place the nebulizer pieces in a bowl and add enough 70% ethyl alcohol to fully cover them.
Soak all parts for 20 minutes.
Rinse all parts of the nebulizer with sterile water. Do not use water from the faucet, bottled water, or distilled water. To make water sterile, you can boil it for 5 minutes.
Use this water once, and then throw it out.
Place the pieces on a paper towel to dry.
Equipment
If you have questions or need more supplies, call your Home Health Equipment provider.
