Abelcet (Intravenous, Injection)
Generic name: amphotericin b lipid complex [ am-foe-TER-i-sin-B-LIP-id-KOM-plex ]
Drug class: Polyenes
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 7, 2024.
Uses for Abelcet
Amphotericin B lipid complex is an antifungal medicine. It is used to help the body overcome serious infections caused by fungus.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using Abelcet
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
This medicine has been tested in children and, in effective doses, has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.
Geriatric
This medicine has been tested in a limited number of patients 65 years of age or older and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Breast Feeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Cyclosporine
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Blood transfusion—Amphotericin B lipid complex may cause side effects affecting the lungs
- Kidney disease—Amphotericin B lipid complex may make your kidney problems worse
Proper use of Abelcet
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For injection dosage form:
- For treatment of serious infection caused by fungus:
- Adults and children—5 milligrams per kilogram (2.27 mg per pound) of body weight per day, injected slowly into a vein.
- For treatment of serious infection caused by fungus:
Side Effects of Abelcet
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
- Chills and fever
- headache
- nausea and vomiting
Less common
- Difficulty in breathing
- sore throat and fever
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness and weakness
Rare
- Increased or decreased urination
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- stomach pain
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Related/similar drugs
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Abelcet
Available Dosage Forms:
- Suspension
Therapeutic Class: Antifungal
Chemical Class: Polyene
More about Abelcet (amphotericin b lipid complex)
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Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.