Cryptococcal meningitis is a fungal infection of the meninges, which are membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. A fungus found in soil called cryptococcus neoformans causes cryptococcal meningitis. A major risk factor for cryptococcal meningitis includes a compromised immune system such as in people with AIDS, diabetes or cancer. Symptoms can include fever, hallucinations, headache, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck and sensitivity to light. The National Institutes of Health explains that cryptococcal meningitis occurs in five out of every one million people. Physicians commonly treat it with antifungal medications.
Amphotericin B
Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication given for serious fungal infections such as cryptococcal meningitis. Amphotericin B is available as a topical solution, a powdered solution, as an injection or as an intravenous medication. The dosage given depends on the health of the patient and the severity of the infection. There are several side effects with this medication. Common side effects include fever and chills, increased or decreased urination, irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps or pain, nausea, pain at the injection site, unusual tiredness or weakness and vomiting. There is a chance of severe side effects including blurred or double vision, convulsions, numbness, tingling, pain, weakness in the hands and feet, shortness of breath, wheezing, tightening in the chest, skin rash or itching, sore throat and fever, unusual bleeding or bruising. Patients should contact their physician if they experience any adverse effects.
Fluconazole
Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat infections in the vagina, mouth, throat, esophagus, abdomen, lungs, blood and other organs. Physicians may prescribe fluconazole in combination with other antifungals to treat cryptococcal meningitis. Fluconazole comes as a liquid suspension as well as a tablet taken by mouth and is usually taken once a day. Fluconazole side effects may include headache, dizziness, diarrhea, stomach pain, heartburn and change in ability to taste food. The National Institutes of Health warns that patients may experience serious side effects while taking fluconazole and should alert their doctor if they experience any of the following: extreme fatigue, unusual bruising or bleeding, lack of energy, loss of appetite, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, yellowing of the skin and eyes, flu-like symptoms, dark urine, pale stools, seizures, rash, hives and difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Flucytosine
Flucytosine is another antifungal commonly used in the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis. Flucytosine comes as a capsule or a tablet and may be taken up to several times a day dependent upon the severity of the infection. MayoClinic.com warns that patients who have to take more than one capsule per dose may want to wait 15 minutes between capsules to help lessen the nausea and vomiting. Flucytosine side effects commonly include skin rash, redness or itching, sore throat and fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual tiredness, yellow eyes or skin and unusual weakness. Serious side effects include confusion, hallucinations and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Patients experiencing these symptoms should alert their doctor immediately.
