Amphotericin B (topical) is an antifungal eye medicine used to treat serious fungal eye infections like keratitis and endophthalmitis.
| Drug class | Antifungal |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Fortified Eye Drop |
| Common strength | 0.15% |
| Common Indian brands | Prepared from Amphotericin B injection (Fungizone, Amphonex) |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital-prepared) |
What Amphotericin B (topical) is used for
Amphotericin B (topical) is a powerful antifungal medicine used to treat severe eye infections caused by fungi. These infections can be quite serious and require prompt and effective treatment.
Specifically, this medicine is used for:
- Candida keratitis: This is a fungal infection of the cornea, the clear front part of your eye.
- Aspergillus keratitis: Another type of fungal infection affecting the cornea.
- Fungal endophthalmitis (intravitreal): This is a very serious fungal infection inside the eye, often requiring direct injection of the medicine into the eye.
These conditions are serious and need careful management by an eye specialist.
How it works
Amphotericin B (topical) works by targeting and destroying the fungi that cause eye infections. It does this by binding to the cell membranes of the fungus. This action disrupts the fungal cell, leading to its death and helping to clear the infection from your eye.
How it’s used
Amphotericin B (topical) is a fortified eye drop, meaning it is specially prepared to be stronger than regular eye drops for serious infections. The dosing schedule is carefully determined by your ophthalmologist based on the severity of your infection.
Typically, treatment begins with frequent application, often hourly, to quickly bring the infection under control. As your eye starts to heal and the infection improves, your doctor will gradually reduce the frequency of the drops. It is crucial to follow your doctor’s exact instructions regarding the dosage and tapering schedule. Do not stop using the medicine or change the dose on your own, even if your eye feels better, as this could lead to the infection returning or becoming more difficult to treat.
This medicine is prepared in a hospital setting and administered under strict medical supervision. It is not for self-use at home.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Prepared from Amphotericin B injection (Fungizone
- Amphonex)
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Good to know
Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. This is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.
Precautions & side effects
Amphotericin B (topical) is a specialized medicine that requires careful handling and administration. Here are important precautions:
- Hospital-prepared: This medicine is not available off-the-shelf. It is specially prepared from Amphotericin B injection in a hospital or clinic setting by trained professionals.
- Light-sensitive: It must be protected from light to maintain its effectiveness.
- Refrigeration required: The medicine needs to be stored in a refrigerator.
- Limited shelf life: Once prepared, it must be discarded after a few days, even if some medicine remains. Do not use expired or old preparations.
- Prescription only: This is a prescription eye medicine and must only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist.
- Professional administration: This medicine is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.
Always discuss any concerns or questions you have with your ophthalmologist or the medical staff.
Understanding Fungal Eye Infections
Fungal eye infections, such as keratitis and endophthalmitis, are serious conditions that can affect your vision. Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your eye that covers the pupil and iris. When fungi infect the cornea, it can lead to pain, redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. If left untreated, fungal keratitis can cause significant vision loss or even lead to the need for a corneal transplant. Endophthalmitis is an even more severe infection that affects the inside of the eye, often involving the vitreous and retina. This condition can rapidly lead to severe vision loss or blindness if not treated aggressively and promptly. Fungal eye infections can occur after an eye injury, surgery, or if you have a weakened immune system. Sometimes, they can also be associated with contact lens use, especially if proper hygiene is not maintained. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment are crucial for preserving your vision.
General Advice for Using Eye Medicines
While Amphotericin B (topical) is administered in a hospital setting, understanding general principles of eye medicine use is helpful. When using any eye drops or ointments, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after application to prevent contamination. If you are ever instructed on how to apply eye drops (for instance, if you are given other drops to use at home), tilt your head back, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket, and look up. Administer the prescribed number of drops without touching the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface. Close your eye gently for a minute or two to allow the medicine to be absorbed. If you are using more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications to ensure each one has time to work effectively. For eye ointments, a small strip is usually applied inside the lower eyelid. Always follow the specific instructions given by your doctor or nurse.
Storage, Hygiene, and When to Seek Help
Proper storage and hygiene are vital for all eye medications, especially for specialized preparations like Amphotericin B (topical). As mentioned, this medicine is light-sensitive, requires refrigeration, and has a limited shelf life. These precautions are managed by the hospital staff to ensure the medicine remains effective and safe. Always keep all medicines out of the reach of children. For any eye medicine you might use at home, store it as directed, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and never use it past its expiry date. Maintaining good eye hygiene, such as avoiding touching your eyes with unwashed hands and properly caring for contact lenses if you wear them, can help prevent eye infections. It is important to be vigilant for any changes in your eye condition. If you experience new or worsening redness, pain, discharge, blurred vision, or any discomfort, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. Do not wait for your next appointment if you notice concerning symptoms. Your doctor is your best resource for any questions or concerns regarding your eye health and treatment plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is Amphotericin B (topical) used for?
Amphotericin B (topical) is an antifungal eye medicine used to treat serious fungal eye infections such as Candida keratitis, Aspergillus keratitis, and fungal endophthalmitis.
How does Amphotericin B (topical) work?
This medicine works by binding to the cell membranes of fungi, which disrupts their structure and kills the fungal cells, thereby clearing the infection.
What are the common brands of Amphotericin B (topical) in India?
Amphotericin B (topical) is not sold as a ready-made eye drop. It is specially prepared in a hospital from Amphotericin B injection, which may be available under brands like Fungizone or Amphonex.
How is Amphotericin B (topical) typically used?
It is used as a fortified eye drop, typically applied hourly initially, and then the frequency is gradually reduced by your ophthalmologist as the infection improves. It is administered by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.
Do I need a prescription for Amphotericin B (topical)?
Yes, Amphotericin B (topical) is a prescription eye medicine and must only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. It is a hospital-prepared medicine and not available for self-medication.
What are the key precautions for Amphotericin B (topical)?
Key precautions include that it is hospital-prepared, light-sensitive, must be refrigerated, and discarded after a few days. It is a prescription medicine given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.
References
- Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Conjunctivitis – MedlinePlus
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
- StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.