Fungizone Cream

Generic Name: amphotericin B topical (am foe TER ah sin)Brand Names: Fungizone Cream, Fungizone Lotion

What is Fungizone Cream (amphotericin B topical)?

Amphotericin B topical is an antifungal medication. Amphotericin B prevents fungus from growing on your skin.

Amphotericin B topical is used to treat skin infections that are caused by the yeast Candida. Amphotericin B topical is not currently available for use in the United States.

Amphotericin B topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Fungizone Cream (amphotericin B topical)?Use this medication for the full amount of time prescribed by your doctor even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely healed.

Do not use bandages or dressings that do not allow air to circulate to the affected area (occlusive dressings) unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Wear loose-fitting clothing (preferably cotton).

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth.What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Fungizone Cream (amphotericin B topical)?

Do not use amphotericin B topical if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.

It is not known whether amphotericin B topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use amphotericin B topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether amphotericin B passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Fungizone Cream (amphotericin B topical)?

Use amphotericin B topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after using this medication.

Clean and dry the affected area. Apply the cream, lotion, or ointment two to four times daily as directed for 1 to 4 weeks. Use this medication for the full amount of time prescribed by your doctor or as recommended in the package even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely healed.

If the infection does not clear up in a few weeks, or if it appears to get worse, see your doctor.

Do not use bandages or dressings that do not allow air circulation over the affected area (occlusive dressings) unless otherwise directed by your doctor. A light cotton-gauze dressing may be used to protect clothing.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Discoloration of skin or clothing may occur. Wash with soap and water to remove color from skin or fabric.

Store amphotericin B at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the dose you missed and apply only the regular amount of amphotericin B topical. Do not use a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of amphotericin B topical is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect that a much larger than normal dose has been used, or that amphotericin B topical has been ingested, contact an emergency room or a poison control center.

What should I avoid while using Fungizone Cream (amphotericin B topical)?

Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing that doesn't allow air circulation. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until the infection is healed.

Fungizone Cream (amphotericin B topical) side effects

Serious side effects of amphotericin B topical use are unexpected. Stop using amphotericin B topical and see your doctor if you experience unusual or severe blistering, itching, redness, peeling, dryness, or irritation of the skin.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Fungizone Cream (amphotericin B topical)?

Avoid using other topicals at the same time unless your doctor approves. Other skin medications may affect the absorption or effectiveness of amphotericin B topical.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about amphotericin B topical written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Amphotericin B topical is available with a prescription under the brand name Fungizone in a 3% cream, lotion, or ointment. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.02. Revision Date: 2/13/04 4:03:36 PM.