Amphotericin B Induced Anaphylactic Reaction and Electrolyte Imbalance: A Case Report

Abstract

Amphotericin B, a polyene antifungal antibiotic derived from a strain of Streptomyces nodosus. It acts by binding to sterols in the cell membrane of susceptible fungi, with a resultant change in the permeability of the membrane. Amphotericin B can cause allergic reactions, electrolyte imbalance and severe side effects, such as chest discomfort accompanied by dyspnea, flushing, agitation, tachypnea, tachycardia, hypoxemia, hypotension, or hypertension, are likely to develop following the injection of Amphotericin B. Anaphylaxis, cardiac toxicity and respiratory failure have also been associated to different formulations of Amphotericin B as life-threatening acute events. This case report is on a 57-year-old male patient who was admitted with a condition of left diabetic foot with non-healing medial supra heel ulcer and fungal infection on the site of wound. The patient was given Amphotericin B in emulsion form due to the high priority of fungal infection and the need for antifungal medicine, which led to anaphylactic reaction and electrolyte imbalance, which were treated immediately and the same preparation was continued with a low infusion rate. When infusion is discontinued, antihistamines can assist to alleviate the symptoms. In this case, it is recommended that the patient's condition and clinical parameters should be closely followed after the medicine has been administered.