[Amphotericin B and its lipid formulations]

Abstract

More than 40 years after its approval, Amphotericin B is still the gold standard in the treatment of invasive fungal infections due to Candida and Aspergillus spp. Three different lipid formulations of Amphotericin B have been available for over 10 years, with only one of them, i.e. liposomal Amphotericin B (Ambisome), approved in Germany. Liposomal Amphotericin B is superior to conventional Amphotericin B due to its reduced nephrotoxicity, the option of a higher initial loading-dose, and fewer infusion-related side-effects, all this with identical or even higher efficacy.