Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV) is a powerful intravenous antifungal medicine used in hospitals to treat severe and life-threatening fungal infections of the eye and surrounding areas.
| Drug class | Antifungal |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Intravenous Injection |
| Common strength | 50 mg vial |
| Common Indian brands | AmBisome, Fungisome, Amphonex |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital use) |
What Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV) is used for
Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV) is a crucial medicine used to combat serious fungal infections that can affect your eyes and the areas around them. These infections, if not treated promptly and effectively, can be very dangerous. At Pristine Eye Hospitals, our specialists use this medicine for:
- Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis: This is a very serious fungal infection that can affect the nose, sinuses, eyes (orbit), and even the brain. It requires urgent and intensive treatment.
- Severe fungal endophthalmitis: This is a severe fungal infection inside the eye itself, which can threaten your vision and overall eye health.
It’s important to understand that these are not common infections and require expert medical care in a hospital setting.
How it works
Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV) works as a very powerful antifungal medicine. When you have a life-threatening fungal infection involving the orbit (the area around your eye) or inside the eye, this medicine is given directly into your bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) infusion. It targets and destroys the fungi causing the infection, helping your body fight off the disease. The ‘liposomal’ part means the medicine is enclosed in tiny fatty bubbles (liposomes). This special formulation helps deliver the medicine more effectively to the infection site while potentially reducing some side effects compared to older forms of the medicine.
How it’s used
Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV) is a medicine that is always given in a hospital setting by healthcare professionals. It is never for self-use at home.
- Administration: This medicine is given as a daily intravenous (IV) infusion. This means it is slowly dripped into your vein, usually in your arm, over a period of time.
- Dosing: The exact dose you receive will be carefully calculated by your doctor based on your body weight and the severity of your infection.
- Hospital Stay: Because this is a serious medicine for serious infections, you will need to stay in the hospital while receiving this treatment. This allows our doctors and nurses to closely monitor your condition and ensure the medicine is working effectively and safely.
- Combined Treatment: Often, this medicine is used alongside other treatments, such as surgical debridement (a procedure to remove infected tissue), to give you the best chance of recovery.
Your medical team at Pristine Eye Hospitals will explain every step of the treatment process to you and your family.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- AmBisome
- Fungisome
- Amphonex
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Please note
Systemic antifungal requiring liver-function monitoring and with many drug interactions. Report any yellowing of the eyes/skin or visual disturbance. Prescription and supervision required. This is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.
Precautions & side effects
Because Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV) is a powerful medicine used for severe infections, it requires careful monitoring and attention to certain precautions:
- Kidney Function and Electrolyte Monitoring: This medicine can affect your kidneys. Therefore, your doctors will regularly check your kidney function through blood tests. They will also monitor your electrolyte levels (important salts in your body like potassium and magnesium) to ensure they remain balanced.
- Liver Function Monitoring: As a systemic antifungal, this medicine requires monitoring of your liver function as well. Blood tests will be done to check how your liver is working.
- Drug Interactions: Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV) can interact with many other medicines. It is crucial to inform your doctor about ALL medicines you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and any other prescriptions, to avoid potential interactions.
- Report Any Changes: It is very important to immediately report any new or unusual symptoms to your doctor or nurse. Specifically, look out for:
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice): This could be a sign of liver problems.
- Visual disturbance: Any changes in your vision should be reported promptly.
- Prescription and Supervision: This medicine is a prescription-only drug and must always be given under the direct supervision of specialists in a hospital or clinic setting. It is never for self-administration.
- Surgical Debridement: In many cases, especially for conditions like mucormycosis, this medicine is used in combination with surgical removal of infected tissue (surgical debridement) to achieve the best possible outcome.
Your healthcare team at Pristine Eye Hospitals will ensure all necessary monitoring is in place and will guide you through the treatment process safely.
Understanding Severe Fungal Eye Infections
At Pristine Eye Hospitals, we understand that hearing you have a severe fungal infection can be frightening. It’s important to know that these infections, like Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis and severe fungal endophthalmitis, are serious but treatable conditions, especially with prompt and expert care. Fungi are tiny organisms found all around us, but sometimes, especially in people with weakened immune systems or certain underlying health conditions, they can cause severe infections. These infections can affect various parts of the body, including the eyes, the area around the eyes (orbit), and even spread to the brain. Symptoms can vary widely depending on the type and location of the infection, but may include eye pain, redness, swelling, vision changes, headache, or even facial numbness. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are key to preventing serious complications and preserving vision and overall health. Our team of ophthalmologists, infectious disease specialists, and other healthcare professionals work together to provide comprehensive care for these complex conditions, using advanced diagnostic tools and the most effective treatments available, such as Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV).
Hospital Care and Your Treatment Journey
When you are admitted to Pristine Eye Hospitals for treatment with Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV), you are in safe hands. This medicine is administered intravenously, meaning it is given directly into your bloodstream through a drip. This method ensures the medicine reaches the infection quickly and effectively throughout your body. During your hospital stay, our dedicated nursing staff will ensure your comfort and administer your daily infusions as prescribed by your doctor. Your medical team will closely monitor your progress, conduct regular blood tests to check your kidney and liver function, and keep an eye on your electrolyte levels. This careful monitoring is crucial to ensure the medicine is working well and to manage any potential side effects. We encourage you to ask questions and communicate any concerns you have with your doctors and nurses. We believe in keeping you and your family informed every step of the way, ensuring you feel supported and confident in your care. Remember, your active participation in reporting symptoms and following medical advice is vital for a successful recovery.
General Hygiene, Recovery, and When to Seek Help
While you are receiving treatment in the hospital, maintaining good personal hygiene is important to prevent further infections. Our hospital staff will guide you on this. Once you are discharged from the hospital, your recovery journey continues. It’s crucial to follow all post-discharge instructions provided by your doctor, including any oral medications, follow-up appointments, and lifestyle advice. Even after completing your course of Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV), regular follow-up visits to Pristine Eye Hospitals are essential to monitor your recovery and ensure the infection has been fully cleared. During your recovery at home, pay close attention to your body. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, such as fever, increasing pain, redness or swelling around the eye, changes in vision, yellowing of your skin or eyes, or any other concerning signs, do not hesitate. Contact Pristine Eye Hospitals immediately or seek emergency medical attention. Your health and vision are our top priority, and our team is always here to support you through your recovery. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and adequate rest, can also aid in your overall recovery process.
Frequently asked questions
What is Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV) used for?
Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV) is a powerful antifungal medicine used to treat very serious fungal infections like Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis and severe fungal endophthalmitis, which can affect the eyes and surrounding areas.
How does Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV) work?
It works as a powerful intravenous antifungal that targets and destroys the fungi causing life-threatening infections, especially those involving the orbit (the area around the eye).
What are the common Indian brands for Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV)?
Some common brands for Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV) in India include AmBisome, Fungisome, and Amphonex.
How is Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV) administered?
This medicine is given as a daily intravenous (IV) infusion in a hospital setting. The dose is calculated by your doctor based on your body weight.
Do I need a prescription for Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV)?
Yes, Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV) is a prescription-only medicine. It is only given by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.
What are the key precautions while taking Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV)?
Key precautions include regular monitoring of kidney and liver function, as well as electrolyte levels. It's important to report any yellowing of the eyes/skin or visual disturbance immediately. This medicine also has many drug interactions, so inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
References
- Liposomal Amphotericin B (AmBisome®): A review of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical experience and future directions – PMC
- Amphotericin B Liposomal Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information
- Ensuring the safe use of amphotericin B injection – NHS SPS
- Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
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.