Nephrotoxicity induced by amphotericin B deoxycholate in adult patients

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61182/rnavmed.v11n1a6

Keywords:

Amphotericin B deoxycholate, Nephrotoxicity, Adverse drug reaction

Abstract

Amphotericin B is a polyene antifungal used to treat invasive fungal infections and leishmaniasis. Its main adverse effect is nephrotoxicity, followed by electrolyte imbalances and infusion-related reactions. To minimize these effects, lipid formulations are recommended; however, due to their high cost, many healthcare systems favor the use of the deoxycholate form. A literature review was conducted across multiple databases to identify factors associated with nephrotoxicity induced by amphotericin B deoxycholate. The most common adverse effects were elevated nitrogenous waste products and hypokalemia, followed by anemia, infusion site pain, and phlebitis. Major risk factors included cumulative drug dose, prolonged treatment duration, advanced age, pharmacological immunosuppression, and concurrent use of other nephrotoxic drugs.

The most effective preventive strategies were aggressive hydration to increase diuresis, electrolyte replacement—particularly potassium supplementation—and, in some cases, discontinuation of the drug.

Author Biographies

  • Ana María Orjuela-Camargo, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

    Médica Familiar. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. Sociedad Clínica Emcosalud. 

  • Laura Natalia Quintana-Murillo, Hospital Universitario Hernando Moncaleano Perdomo, Neiva, Huila.

    Médica de la Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la salud. Médica general en Hospital Universitario Hernando Moncaleano Perdomo.

  • Giovanni Caviedes-Pérez, Universidad Surcolombiana y Hospital Universitario Hernando Moncaleano Perdomo, Neiva, Huila.

    Medico internista y farmacólogo clínico.

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Published

2025-05-20

Data Availability Statement

We hereby declare that the data are free, taken from the main open access databases and the information can be corroborated by the general public. 

How to Cite

1.
Orjuela-Camargo AM, Quintana-Murillo LN, Caviedes-Pérez G. Nephrotoxicity induced by amphotericin B deoxycholate in adult patients. Rev. Navar. Medica [Internet]. 2025 May 20 [cited 2025 May 23];11(1):38-4. Available from: https://journals.uninavarra.edu.co/index.php/navarramedica/article/view/311

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