Antifungal
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
Amphotericin B is a powerful antifungal medicine given through a drip (injection into your vein) in a hospital setting. It works by attacking the outer covering of dangerous fungi, killing them off so your body can recover from serious fungal infections.
Binds to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, creating pores that disrupt membrane integrity and cause leakage of cellular contents, resulting in fungal cell death.
Serious fungal infections of the blood, brain, lungs, or other organs, cryptococcal meningitis (a dangerous fungal infection of the brain common in people living with HIV), severe oral or throat thrush that does not respond to other treatments, histoplasmosis, aspergillosis
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Since this drug is given by medical staff in a hospital, missed doses are unlikely. If a scheduled infusion is delayed or missed, the medical team will reschedule it. Do not try to double the dose.
This is a hospital-only medicine, so never buy it from roadside sellers or try to give it to yourself at home, as it can be very dangerous without proper medical monitoring. Make sure your doctor checks your kidney function and blood potassium levels regularly during treatment. Complete the full course of treatment even if you start feeling better, because stopping early can cause the infection to come back stronger.
Drugs that can harm the kidneys (like gentamicin and other aminoglycoside antibiotics) increase the risk of kidney damage when used together with Amphotericin B. Diuretics like furosemide (Lasix) can cause your potassium to drop dangerously low when combined with this drug. Avoid using with other antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or fluconazole unless your doctor specifically directs it, as they may interfere with each other.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Amphotericin with your other drugs?
Amphotericin B should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the infection is life-threatening and there is no safer alternative; your doctor must make this decision.
Store the injection vials in a cool place, ideally in a refrigerator (2–8°C). Keep away from direct sunlight and heat, as this is especially important in hot Nigerian weather. Once the powder is mixed for use, it should be used within 24 hours. Always keep out of reach of children.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.