AmBisome Side Effects

Generic name: amphotericin b liposomal

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 3, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about AmBisome Side Effects associated with amphotericin b liposomal. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name AmBisome.

Applies to amphotericin b liposomal: intravenous powder for solution.

Serious side effects of AmBisome

Along with its needed effects, amphotericin b liposomal (the active ingredient contained in AmBisome) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking amphotericin b liposomal:

More common side effects

• chills
• fever
• irregular heartbeat
• muscle cramps or pain
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common side effects

• back pain
• chest pain
• dark urine
• difficulty in breathing
• headache
• yellowing of eyes or skin

Rare side effects

• difficulty in swallowing
• hives
• itching, especially of feet or hands
• reddening of skin, especially around ears
• swelling of eyes, face, or inside of nose
• unusual tiredness or weakness (sudden and severe)

Other side effects of AmBisome

Some side effects of amphotericin b liposomal may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• abdominal pain
• cough
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting

Less common side effects

• skin rash

For healthcare professionals

Applies to amphotericin b liposomal: intravenous powder for injection.

Metabolic adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Hypokalemia (51.1%), hyperglycemia (23%), hypomagnesemia (25.9%), hypocalcemia (18.4%), anorexia (14%), hypervolemia (12.2%), hyponatremia (11.6%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hypernatremia, fluid overload, acidosis, hyperchloremia, hyperkalemia, hypermagnesemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypoproteinemia, nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) increased, hyperglycemia^[Ref]

Renal

• Very common (10% or more): Creatinine increased (22.4%), BUN increased (21%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal renal function, acute kidney failure, acute renal failure, kidney failure, toxic nephropathy, increased blood urea
• Frequency not reported: Renal insufficiency^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Anemia (47.9%), leukopenia (15.1%), thrombocytopenia (12.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Coagulation disorder, ecchymosis, prothrombin decreased, prothrombin increased, thrombocytopenia
• Postmarketing reports: Agranulocytosis^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hypertension (19.8%), hypotension (14.3%), chest pain (11.1%), phlebitis (10.6%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Vasodilatation, arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, cardiac arrest, cardiomegaly, hemorrhage, postural hypotension, valvular heart disease, vascular disorder^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (23%), cough increased (17.8%), lung disorder (17.8%), epistaxis (14.9%), pleural effusion (12.5%), rhinitis (11.1%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hypoxia, hyperventilation, respiratory alkalosis, cough, asthma, atelectasis, hemoptysis, hiccup, hyperventilation, lung edema, pharyngitis, pneumonia, respiratory insufficiency, respiratory failure, sinusitis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypoxia
• Postmarketing reports: Bronchospasm, cyanosis/hypoventilation, pulmonary edema^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (39.7%), vomiting (31.8%), diarrhea (30.3%), abdominal pain (19.8%), constipation (15.1%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, dry mouth/nose, dyspepsia, eructation, flatulence, fecal incontinence, hemorrhoids, gum/oral hemorrhage, hematemesis, ileus, mucositis, rectal disorder, stomatitis, ulcerative stomatitis, amylase increased^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fever (89.5%), blood product transfusion reaction (18.4%), peripheral edema (14.6%), edema (14.3%), pain (14%), asthenia (13.1%), chest pain (12%), pyrexia
• Common (1% to 10%): Procedural complication, abdomen enlarged, malaise, neck pain, lactate dehydrogenase increased, rigors, influenza-like illness, herpes simplex^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (19.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, dystonia, coma, convulsion, dysesthesia, dizziness, paresthesia, somnolence, tremor^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): Alkaline phosphatase increased (22.2%), bilirubinemia (18.1%), ALT (SGPT) increased (14.6%), AST (SGOT) increased (12.8%), liver function tests abnormal (12.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hepatocellular damage, hepatomegaly, veno-occlusive liver disease^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Rash (24.8%), pruritus (10.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Sweating, cellulitis, face edema, petechia, alopecia, dry skin, maculopapular rash, purpura, skin discoloration, skin disorder, skin ulcer, vesiculobullous rash, flushing
• Frequency not reported: Angioneurotic edema
• Postmarketing reports: Angioedema, erythema, urticaria^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Hematuria (14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dysuria, urinary incontinence, vaginal hemorrhage
• Postmarketing reports: Hemorrhagic cystitis^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (22.1%), anxiety (13.7%), confusion (12.9%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Agitation, depression, hallucinations, nervousness, thinking abnormality^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Sepsis (14%), infection (12.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Cell mediated immunologic reaction^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Chills (48.1%), back pain (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, bone pain, myalgia
• Postmarketing reports: Rhabdomyolysis^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Allergic reaction
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anaphylactoid reaction
• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reactions, hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Conjunctivitis, dry eyes, eye hemorrhage^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site inflammation^[Ref]

Further information

AmBisome side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer