What is the Difference Between Amphotericin B and Liposomal Amphotericin B

The main difference between amphotericin B and liposomal Amphotericin B is that amphotericin B is more nephrotoxic than liposomal amphotericin.

Amphotericin B and liposomal amphotericin B are two types of medications used in treating invasive fungal infections. More importantly, the standard therapy for invasive fungal infections is conventional amphotericin B (sodium deoxycholate). However, it is associated with adverse drug reactions, including acute kidney injury (AKI).

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Amphotericin B
   • Definition, Characteristics, Importance
2. What is Liposomal Amphotericin B
   • Definition, Characteristics, Importance
3. Similarities Between Amphotericin B and Liposomal Amphotericin B
   • Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Amphotericin B and Liposomal Amphotericin B
   • Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Amphotericin B, Liposomal Amphotericin B

What is Amphotericin B

Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication used in serious fungal infections and leishmaniasis. Amphotericin B can also treat other forms of medical conditions like mucormycosis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, candidiasis, coccidioidomycosis, and cryptococcosis. However, this medication can have some side effects. Fever, chills, and headaches are these common side effects. In addition, it can result in kidney problems. Allergic symptoms such as anaphylaxis can also occur after taking amphotericin B. Apart from that, some of the serious side effects of amphotericin B include low blood potassium and inflammation of the heart.

Figure 1: Amphotericin B

Moreover, amphotericin B is an intravenous injection that comes as a solid powder cake and can be made into a solution. Usually, amphotericin B is important in treating a wide range of systemic fungal infections. More importantly, it is a highly effective drug and has a low incidence of drug resistance in the pathogens it treats.

What is Liposomal Amphotericin B

Liposomal amphotericin B is the liposomal encapsulated form of amphotericin B. It is also important in treating severe fungal infections. Significantly, the lipid formulation of the liposomal amphotericin B is important in lowering the side effects of the amphotericin B. In addition, liposomal amphotericin B is a polyene class of drugs that works in part by interfering with the cell membrane of the fungus.

Figure 2: Liposome

The most important feature of liposomal amphotericin B is that it shows less nephrotoxicity when compared to amphotericin B.

Similarities Between Amphotericin B and Liposomal Amphotericin B

• Amphotericin B and liposomal amphotericin B are two types of medications that treat invasive fungal infections.
• Generally, they are intravenous injections.
• Moreover, both drugs show complications like acute kidney injury.

Difference Between Amphotericin B and Liposomal Amphotericin B

Definition

Amphotericin B refers to an antifungal medication used for serious fungal infections and leishmaniasis while liposomal amphotericin B refers to the liposome-encapsulated formulation of the polyene antifungal antibiotic amphotericin B.

Nephrotoxicity

Generally, amphotericin B is nephrotoxic while liposomal amphotericin B is less nephrotoxic.  

Significance

Amphotericin B is the conventional type of medication while liposomal amphotericin B is the liposomal-encapsulated form of amphotericin B.

Conclusion

In brief, amphotericin B and liposomal amphotericin B are two types of amphotericin B drugs. Here, Amphotericin B is the conventional form of amphotericin drug while liposomal amphotericin B is the liposome-encapsulated form the amphotericin B. Furthermore, amphotericin B is nephrotoxic while liposomal amphotericin B is less nephrotoxic. Therefore, the main difference between amphotericin B and liposomal amphotericin B is their toxicity.

References:

1. Botero Aguirre JP, Restrepo Hamid AM. Amphotericin B deoxycholate versus liposomal amphotericin B: effects on kidney function. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015, Issue 11. Art. No.: CD010481. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010481.pub2. Accessed 13 October 2022.
2. “Amphotericin B Liposomal Injection: Medlineplus Drug Information.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Amphotericin B new” By The chemistds – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Liposomas articulo liberación activos” By Sercombe, Veerati, Moheimani, Wu, Sood and Hua- Own Work (CC BY 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia