Amphotericin Fungilin Side Effects

Amphotericin Fungilin Side Effects
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Fungilin is the brand name of an oral formulation of the antifungal medication Amphotericin B. Fungilin is sold as lozenges, and is used to treat fungal infections of the mouth or throat. When injected directly into the body, Amphotericin B normally causes severe side effects. The intact drug, however, is not absorbed through the stomach or intestines, so oral administration usually does not cause severe systemic side effects. The side effects caused by Fungilin are generally mild.

Nausea and Vomiting

Oral administration of Fungilin lozenges sometimes causes stomach upset. Nausea and indigestion have been associated with use of Fungilin. In some cases, these side effects lead to vomiting. Some patients may experience additional gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea, reports NetDoctor. To minimize these effects, the lozenge should be taken after a meal and be slowly dissolved in the mouth, not chewed.

Allergic Reaction

In rare cases, Fungilin can cause a severe allergic reaction, requiring immediate medical attention. A sudden breakout of hives or rash is one sign of an allergic reaction. Swelling or inflammation of the tongue, lips, mouth, throat or face are another indication of an allergic reaction. In severe allergic reactions, the throat may begin to swell shut, causing difficulty breathing, explains the Fungilin product safety sheet from the manufacturer, Bristol-Myers Squibb. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after ingesting Fungilin should seek urgent medical care.

Teeth Yellowing

One common side effect of Fungilin lozenges is a yellowing of the teeth that appears after ingesting a lozenge. This yellow color is temporary, and is usually removed by brushing the teeth, explains the product safety sheet.

References

Article reviewed by Libby Swope Wiersema Last updated on: Sep 28, 2010

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