The Basics
What is Amphotericin B?
Used to treat serious and potentially life-threatening fungal infections.
Brand names for Amphotericin B
Amphocin, Fungizone
How Amphotericin B is classified
Antifungal Agents
Amphotericin B During Pregnancy
Amphotericin B pregnancy category
Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Amphotericin B while pregnant
There have been no adequate and well-controlled studies of AmBisome 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 AmBisome had no teratogenic potential in these species. In rats, the maternal non-toxic dose of AmBisome 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 AmBisome experienced a higher rate of spontaneous abortions than did the control groups. AmBisome should only be used during pregnancy if the possible benefits to be derived outweigh the potential risks involved.
Taking Amphotericin B While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Amphotericin B?
Although no information exists on the milk excretion of amphotericin B, it is highly protein bound, has a large molecular weight, is virtually unabsorbed orally and has been use directly in the mouths of infants;[1] therefore, most reviewers consider it acceptable to use in nursing mothers.[2][3]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Although no information exists on the milk excretion of amphotericin B, it is highly protein bound, has a large molecular weight, is virtually unabsorbed orally and has been use directly in the mouths of infants;[1] therefore, most reviewers consider it acceptable to use in nursing mothers.[2][3]
Possible effects of Amphotericin B on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Amphotericin B
(Systemic) Fluconazole; (Topical) Clotrimazole, Miconazole, Nystatin.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Hoppe JE. Treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis and candidal diaper dermatitis in neonates and infants: review and reappraisal. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1997;16:885-94. PMID: 9306485
2. Mactal-Haaf C, Hoffman M, Kuchta A. Use of anti-infective agents during lactation, Part 3: Antivirals, antifungals, and urinary antiseptics. J Hum Lact. 2001;17:160-6. PMID: 11847833
3. Ilett KF, Kristensen JH. Drug use and breastfeeding. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2005;4:745-68. PMID: 16011452
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
