Ambisome – liposomal amphotericin B

Abstract

Amphotericin B is a valuable drug for the treatment of systemic fungal infections. In the conventional intravenous preparation, it is presented as a deoxycholate complex and in this form frequently causes serious unwanted effects, particularly renal damage. Recently a novel formulation of amphotericin B has been introduced in which the drug is delivered in liposomes (AmBisome – Vestar). The manufacturer claims that AmBisome is less toxic, and can be used in higher doses than the conventional preparation. Does AmBisome have any real clinical advantage?