A review on the clinical use of inhaled amphotericin B

Laura Kuiper, Elisabeth J Ruijgrok

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

56 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite the systemic toxicity of amphotericin B (AMB), it still has a place in treatment or prophylactic regimes of fungal infections.

METHODS: A strategy for minimizing the potential of systemic side effects is to bring it in direct contact with the body site most likely to be infected, such as the administration of AMB as an aerosol. Nebulized amphotericin has been used in humans since 1959. However, due to a lack of sufficient data regarding efficacy, its use is still not established. Little is known about the optimal dose, frequency, duration of administration, and the pharmacokinetics of inhaled AMB in humans.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In this review, published data regarding inhaled AMB are summarized, including available descriptions regarding preparation, dose, efficacy, and toxicity, and its place in therapy is discussed. The results from the studies that were reviewed in this article indicate that inhaled AMB may have a place in the prophylactic regimens of patients with prolonged neutropenia and in lung transplant recipients. Furthermore, nebulized (liposomal) AMB may have a place in the treatment of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in patients with corticosteroid-dependent ABPA.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)213-27
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery
Volume22
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 Sept 2009
Externally publishedYes

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