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Anfotericina B

Amphotericin B

Antifúngico (Polieno Macrólido)IVSCIntratrachealNebulizationIntrauterinePO (Birds only for specific GI infections)TopicalPerrosGatosPequeños mamíferosAvesReptilesCaballosOvejas

También conocido como: Abelcet · AmBisome · Amphotec · Fungizone · Amphocil · Amphotericin B deoxycholate · Amphotericin B lipid complex · Liposomal amphotericin B · Anfotericina B · Amphotericinum B

Revisado por el equipo veterinario de VetSheetActualizado 5 abr 2026Referencia veterinaria basada en la evidencia

0.25 mg/kg IV over 5 minutes, then 0.5 mg/kg 3 times a week until 9-12 mg/kg accumulated dosage is givenIV· 3 times a week· Until 9-12 mg/kg accumulated
🐕

Las dosis son una referencia clínica para profesionales veterinarios autorizados. Confirme siempre con el prospecto actual y cada paciente individual.

Dosis por especie

🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe

Perros

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
Susceptible systemic fungal infections (Rapid-Infusion Technique)0.25 mg/kg IV over 5 minutes, then 0.5 mg/kg 3 times a week until 9-12 mg/kg accumulated dosage is givenIV3 times a weekUntil 9-12 mg/kg accumulated🌎 NA
Susceptible systemic fungal infections (Slow IV Infusion Technique)0.25 mg/kg IV over 4-6 hours, then 0.5 mg/kg 3 times a week until 9-12 mg/kg accumulated dosage is givenIV3 times a weekUntil 9-12 mg/kg accumulated🌎 NA
Systemic fungal infections (Dehydrated/compromised)0.5 mg/kg diluted in D5W given by slow IV over 15 minutes (normal renal) or 3-6 hours (compromised renal)IVEvery other dayUntil cumulative dose of 8-10 mg/kg (or higher depending on disease)🌎 NA
Systemic mycoses (Lipid-based: AmBisome, Amphocil, Abelcet)Test dose of 0.5 mg/kg; then 1-2.5 mg/kg IV q48h (or Monday, Wednesday, Friday) for 4 weeks or until the total cumulative dose is reachedIVq48h4 weeks or until cumulative dose reached🌎 NA
Systemic mycoses (ABLC; Abelcet)2-3 mg/kg IV three days per week for a total of 9-12 treatments (cumulative dose of 24-27 mg)IV3 days per week9-12 treatments🌎 NA
Blastomycosis0.5 mg/kg 3 times weekly until a total dose of 6 mg/kg is givenIV3 times weeklyUntil 6 mg/kg cumulative🌎 NA
Blastomycosis0.15-0.5 mg/kg IV 3 times a weekIV3 times a weekUntil total dose reaches 4-6 mg/kg, then start maintenance🌎 NA
Blastomycosis (severe cases, using Abelcet)1-2 mg/kg IV three times a week (or every other day) to a cumulative dose of 12-24 mg/kgIV3 times a weekUntil 12-24 mg/kg cumulative🌎 NA
Cryptococcosis0.5-0.8 mg/kg SC 2-3 times per weekSC2-3 times per week🌎 NA
Histoplasmosis0.15-0.5 mg/kg IV 3 times a weekIV3 times a weekUntil total dose reaches 2-4 mg/kg, then start maintenance🌎 NA
Histoplasmosis0.5 mg/kg IV given over 6-8 hours. If dose is tolerated, increase to 1 mg/kg given on alternate days until total dose of 7.5-8.5 mg/kg cumulative dose is achievedIVAlternate daysUntil 7.5-8.5 mg/kg cumulative🌎 NA
Leishmaniasis (Liposomal form)3-3.3 mg/kg IV 3 times weekly for 3-5 treatmentsIV3 times weekly3-5 treatments🌎 NA
Leishmaniasis (AmBisome)Give initial test dose of 0.5 mg/kg, then 3-3.3 mg/kg IV every 72-96 hours until a cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg is reachedIVq72-96hUntil 15 mg/kg cumulative🌎 NA
Gastrointestinal pythiosis (ABLC; Abelcet)1-2 mg/kg IV three times weekly for 4 weeks (cumulative dose 12-24 mg)IV3 times weekly4 weeks🌎 NA
Systemic fungal infections and leishmaniosisDose not specified in monograph; requires specific protocolsIVAs directedUntil clinical resolution🌍 EU
  • Susceptible systemic fungal infections (Rapid-Infusion Technique): Dilute in 30 mL of 5% dextrose. Flush with 10 mL D5W before and after.
  • Susceptible systemic fungal infections (Slow IV Infusion Technique): Dilute in 250-500 mL of D5W.
  • Systemic fungal infections (Dehydrated/compromised): Must rehydrate before administration. Discontinue if BUN exceeds 50 mg/dL.
  • Systemic mycoses (Lipid-based: AmBisome, Amphocil, Abelcet): 1 mg/kg for susceptible yeast/dimorphic fungi (cumulative 12 mg/kg); 2-2.5 mg/kg for resistant filamentous fungi (cumulative 24-30 mg/kg).
  • Systemic mycoses (ABLC; Abelcet): Dilute to 1 mg/mL in D5W and infuse over 1-2 hours.
  • Blastomycosis: Given with ketoconazole.
  • Blastomycosis: Given with ketoconazole.
  • Cryptococcosis: Diluted in 0.45% NaCl with 2.5% dextrose. Concentrations >20 mg/L result in local irritation/sterile abscess.
  • Histoplasmosis: Given with ketoconazole.
  • Histoplasmosis: Alternative to ketoconazole treatment.
  • Gastrointestinal pythiosis (ABLC; Abelcet): Follow-up medical therapy after surgical resection.
  • Systemic fungal infections and leishmaniosis: Lipid formulations preferred if pre-existing renal insufficiency exists.

Gatos

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
Susceptible systemic fungal infections (Rapid-Infusion Technique)0.25 mg/kg IV over 5 minutes 3 times a week until 9-12 mg/kg accumulated dosage is givenIV3 times a weekUntil 9-12 mg/kg accumulated🌎 NA
Cryptococcosis0.25 mg/kg in 30 mL D5W IV over 15 minutes q48hIVq48h3-4 weeks after clinical signs resolve🌎 NA
Cryptococcosis0.15-0.4 mg/kg IV 3 times a weekIV3 times a weekUntil total dose reaches 4-6 mg/kg, then start maintenance🌎 NA
Cryptococcosis0.5-0.8 mg/kg SC 2-3 times per weekSC2-3 times per week🌎 NA
Cryptococcosis (ABLC; Abelcet)1 mg/kg IV three days per week for a total of 12 treatments (cumulative dose of 12 mg)IV3 days per week12 treatments🌎 NA
Histoplasmosis0.25 mg/kg in 30 mL D5W IV over 15 minutes q48hIVq48h4-8 weeks🌎 NA
Histoplasmosis0.15-0.5 mg/kg IV 3 times a weekIV3 times a weekUntil total dose reaches 2-4 mg/kg, then start maintenance🌎 NA
Blastomycosis0.25 mg/kg in 30 mL D5W IV over 15 minutes q48hIVq48hUntil cumulative dose of 4 mg/kg is given🌎 NA
Blastomycosis0.15-0.5 mg/kg IV 3 times a weekIV3 times a weekUntil total dose reaches 4-6 mg/kg, then start maintenance🌎 NA
Systemic fungal infections (e.g., cryptococcosis)Dose not specified in monograph; requires specific protocolsIVAs directedUntil clinical resolution🌍 EU
Cryptococcosis (when IV access is problematic)Dose not specified in monograph; requires specific protocolsSCAs directedUntil clinical resolution🌍 EU
  • Susceptible systemic fungal infections (Rapid-Infusion Technique): Dilute in 30 mL of 5% dextrose. Flush with 10 mL D5W before and after.
  • Cryptococcosis: Given with flucytosine. Stop if BUN >50 mg/dL.
  • Cryptococcosis: Given with flucytosine.
  • Cryptococcosis: Diluted in 0.45% NaCl with 2.5% dextrose (400 mL for cats).
  • Cryptococcosis (ABLC; Abelcet): Dilute to 1 mg/mL in D5W and infuse over 1-2 hours.
  • Histoplasmosis: Given with ketoconazole. Stop if BUN >50 mg/dL.
  • Histoplasmosis: Given with ketoconazole.
  • Blastomycosis: Given with ketoconazole. Stop if BUN >50 mg/dL.
  • Blastomycosis: Given with ketoconazole.
  • Systemic fungal infections (e.g., cryptococcosis): SC alternative has been used for cryptococcosis if regular venous catheterization is problematic.
  • Cryptococcosis (when IV access is problematic): SC route used as an alternative to IV.

Pequeños mamíferos

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
Susceptible systemic fungal infections (Rabbits)1 mg/kg/day IVIVq24h🌎 NA

Aves

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
Aspergillosis (raptors and psittacines)1.5 mg/kg IV three times daily for 3 daysIVq8h3 days🌎 NA
Aspergillosis (raptors and psittacines)1 mg/kg diluted in sterile water once to 3 times daily for 3 daysIntratrachealq8-24h3 days🌎 NA
Aspergillosis1.5 mg/kg IV q12h for 3-5 days; topically in the trachea at 1 mg/kg q12h; 0.3-1 mg/mL nebulized for 15 minutes 2-4 times dailyIV/Intratracheal/NebulizationVariable3-5 days (IV)🌎 NA
Macrorhabdiasis (Microrhabdus ornithogaster)100-150 mg/kg PO q12h for 30 daysPOq12h30 days🌎 NA
  • Aspergillosis (raptors and psittacines): With or followed by flucytosine.
  • Aspergillosis (raptors and psittacines): In conjunction with flucytosine.
  • Macrorhabdiasis (Microrhabdus ornithogaster): Treatment failures common with shorter durations.

Reptiles

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
Susceptible fungal respiratory infections1 mg/kg diluted in saline and given intra-tracheally once daily for 14-28 treatmentsIntratrachealq24h14-28 treatments🌎 NA

Caballos

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
Fungal pneumoniaDay 1: 0.3 mg/kg IV; Day 2: 0.4 mg/kg IV; Day 3: 0.6 mg/kg IV; days 4-7: no treatment; then every other day until a total cumulative dose of 6.75 mg/kg has been administeredIVVariableUntil 6.75 mg/kg cumulative🌎 NA
Phycomycoses and pulmonary mycosesDay 1: 0.3 mg/kg IV; Day 2: 0.45 mg/kg IV; Day 3: 0.6 mg/kg IV; then every other day for 3 days per week (MWF or TTHSa)IVVariable10-80 days🌎 NA
Intrauterine infusion200-250 mgIntrauterineq24h or q48h3-7 days🌎 NA
  • Phycomycoses and pulmonary mycoses: Administer in 1L D5W at 1 L/hr. Adjust if toxicity occurs.
  • Intrauterine infusion: Little science available for recommending doses/diluents.

Ovejas

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
Susceptible systemic fungal infections (Llama)1 mg test dose, then initially at 0.3 mg/kg IV over 4 hours... Subsequent doses were increased by 10 mg and given every 48 hours until reaching 1 mg/kg q48h IV for 6 weeksIVq48h6 weeks🌎 NA
  • Susceptible systemic fungal infections (Llama): Single case report in a Llama (Coccidioidomycosis).

Las dosis son una referencia clínica para profesionales veterinarios autorizados. Confirme siempre con el prospecto actual y cada paciente individual.

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Resumen

La anfotericina B es un potente agente antifúngico sistémico de tipo polieno macrólido, reservado para infecciones micóticas progresivas y potencialmente mortales (p. ej., blastomicosis, histoplasmosis, criptococosis, coccidioidomicosis).

Debido a su baja biodisponibilidad oral, debe administrarse por vía parenteral (típicamente IV). La forma convencional, anfotericina B desoxicolato, es conocida por causar una nefrotoxicidad significativa, lo que limita su uso y requiere un monitoreo intensivo.

Las formulaciones basadas en lípidos más recientes (p. ej., anfotericina B liposomal, complejo lipídico de anfotericina B) encapsulan el fármaco en vehículos lipídicos. Estas formulaciones son significativamente menos nefrotóxicas, permiten dosis acumulativas más altas y penetran mejor en los tejidos (como pulmones, hígado y bazo), aunque son considerablemente más costosas.

​Perla clínica:​ Aunque es altamente efectiva contra muchos hongos dimórficos, la aspergilosis en perros y gatos a menudo no responde satisfactoriamente al tratamiento con anfotericina B.

Mecanismo de acción

Amphotericin B is fungistatic or fungicidal depending on the concentration.

It works by binding to sterols—primarily ergosterol—in the fungal cell membrane. This binding creates transmembrane pores → alters membrane permeability → allows intracellular ​potassium (K+)​, magnesium, and other vital cellular constituents to leak out → leading to fungal cell death.

​Toxicity Mechanism:​ Mammalian cell membranes contain cholesterol. While amphotericin B has a higher affinity for ergosterol, it still binds to mammalian cholesterol to some degree. This cross-reactivity, particularly in renal epithelial cells, is the primary mechanism behind its dose-limiting nephrotoxicity. It also induces renal vasoconstriction, leading to a decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Seguridad y advertencias

Contraindicaciones

  • Patients with known hypersensitivity to amphotericin B (unless the infection is life-threatening and no alternatives exist)

Efectos adversos

  • Nephrotoxicity (very common, dose-dependent)
  • Anorexia and vomiting
  • Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia
  • Distal renal tubular acidosis
  • Phlebitis at injection site
  • Cardiac arrhythmias
  • Non-regenerative anemia
  • Fever (can be mitigated with NSAIDs or low-dose steroids)
  • Tachycardia, tachypnea, lethargy, restlessness (horses)
  • Calcinosis cutis (dogs)

Precauciones

​Black Box Warning Equivalent:​ Amphotericin B is highly nephrotoxic. Renal function must be aggressively monitored during therapy.

  • Use with extreme caution in patients with pre-existing renal disease.
  • Cats are more sensitive to nephrotoxic effects; reduced dosages are often recommended.
  • Ensure adequate hydration prior to administration. Sodium loading (e.g., normal saline administration before and after dosing) may help avert renal insufficiency by preventing tubuloglomerular feedback-induced vasoconstriction.
  • Pregnancy: Weigh risks vs. benefits. FDA Category B (human); Papich Class A (veterinary).

Interacciones farmacológicas

Corticosteroids

May exacerbate the potassium-losing effects of amphotericin B.

Digoxin

Amphotericin B-induced hypokalemia may exacerbate digoxin toxicity.

FlucytosineMinor

In vitro synergy against Cryptococcus and Candida, but may also increase flucytosine toxicity.

Nephrotoxic Drugs (Aminoglycosides, Polymyxin B, Cisplatin, Cyclosporine, etc.)

Additive renal toxicity; avoid concurrent or sequential use if possible.

Potassium-Depleting Drugs (Thiazide or Loop Diuretics)

Increased risk of severe hypokalemia.

Saline Solutions or Preservative-containing Solutions

Reconstituting amphotericin B deoxycholate with these solutions may cause precipitation.

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants (Tubocurarine)

Amphotericin B-induced hypokalemia may enhance curariform effects.

FluorouracilMajor

Amphotericin may increase the toxic effects of fluorouracil.

DoxorubicinMajor

Amphotericin may increase the toxic effects of doxorubicin.

MethotrexateMajor

Amphotericin may increase the toxic effects of methotrexate.

Nephrotoxic drugsMajor

Concurrent use significantly increases the risk of severe nephrotoxicity.

Monitorización

  • BUN and serum creatinine (before each dose or every other day during dose escalation, then at least weekly)
  • Serum electrolytes including sodium, potassium, and magnesium (weekly)
  • Liver function tests (weekly)
  • CBC and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) (weekly)
  • Urinalysis (weekly)
  • Total plasma protein (TPP) (at least weekly)
  • Body weight

Farmacocinética

Vida media

PerrosInitial: 24-48 hours; Terminal: ~15 days (extrapolated/general mammalian data)

Absorción

Poorly absorbed from the GI tract; must be given parenterally (IV) for systemic infections.

Distribución

Penetrates well into most tissues but poorly into pancreas, muscle, bone, aqueous humor, and pleural/pericardial/synovial/peritoneal fluids unless inflamed. CSF levels are ~3% of serum levels. Highly protein bound (90-95%). Lipid forms have higher penetration into lungs, liver, and spleen.

Metabolismo

Metabolic pathways are not fully known.

Eliminación

Exhibits biphasic elimination. Approximately 2-5% of the drug is recovered in the urine in unchanged (biologically active) form. Can be detected in urine up to 7 weeks after therapy stops.

Sobredosis

Acute intravenous overdose reports are rare. Because of the severe toxicity of the drug, dosage calculations and solution preparation procedures must be double-checked.

If an accidental overdose occurs, renal toxicity is the primary concern. Toxicity may be minimized by aggressively administering intravenous fluids and mannitol to maintain GFR and promote diuresis.

Productos disponibles

Formulaciones

  • Powder for injection (Deoxycholate)
  • Suspension for injection (Lipid complex)
  • Powder for injection (Liposomal/Cholesteryl sulfate complex)
  • Topical formulations

Etiquetado para humanos

  • Amphotericin B Desoxycholate Powder for Injection: 50 mg in vials
  • Amphotericin B Lipid-Based Suspension for Injection: 100 mg/20 mL (Abelcet)
  • Amphotericin B Lipid-Based Powder for Injection: 50 mg, 100 mg (Amphotec, AmBisome)
  • Topical formulations (Fungizone)

Estado regulador

European Union✓ AprobadoMedicamento de prescripciónEMA

Human authorized products used under the cascade.

United Kingdom✓ AprobadoMedicamento de prescripción · POMVMD

Human authorized products used under the cascade.

Sin datos reguladores para: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU

Almacenamiento y estabilidad

Store un-reconstituted vials in the refrigerator (2-8°C), protected from light and moisture. Reconstitute with sterile water for injection (no preservatives). After reconstitution, stable for 24 hours at room temperature and 1 week refrigerated if protected from light. When diluted in D5W (pH >4.3) for IV use, protect from light during administration (though studies show potency remains largely unaffected for 8-24 hours of light exposure).

Información para el cliente

La anfotericina B es un medicamento antifúngico potente utilizado solo para infecciones fúngicas graves y potencialmente mortales.

  • ​Administración:​ Debe administrarse mediante inyección (generalmente IV), lo que a menudo requiere que su mascota sea hospitalizada o realice visitas frecuentes a la clínica.
  • ​Riesgos renales:​ Este fármaco es altamente tóxico para los riñones. La mayoría de las mascotas experimentarán cierto grado de estrés renal. Realizaremos análisis de sangre y orina frecuentes para monitorear de cerca la función renal.
  • ​Efectos secundarios:​ Esté atento a signos de enfermedad como vómitos, pérdida de apetito, letargo extremo o fiebre. Contacte a su veterinario de inmediato si ocurren estos síntomas.
  • ​Costo y compromiso:​ El tratamiento puede ser costoso y requiere un compromiso de tiempo significativo para el monitoreo y la administración.

La referencia de medicamentos de VetSheet está destinada a profesionales veterinarios autorizados como ayuda para la toma de decisiones clínicas, no como sustituto del criterio profesional ni del prospecto actual del fabricante.