In-vivo activity and tolerance of conventional formulation versus fat emulsion formulation of amphotericin B in experimental disseminated candidiasis in neutropenic rabbits.

Amphotericin B can cause significant toxicity but this can be reduced by direct dilution into a fat emulsion (Intralipid). To investigate the potential use of amphotericin B diluted in Intralipid, a study was made of its activity in the treatment of subacute disseminated candidiasis in persistently granulocytopenic rabbits, compared with the same dose of amphotericin B diluted in dextrose. Amphotericin-B-fat emulsion was at least as effective as amphotericin-B-dextrose. Amphotericin-B-fat emulsion was significantly more effective than amphotericin-B-dextrose therapy in reducing candida colony counts in both kidney and liver tissues (P < 0.05). Furthermore, amphotericin-B-fat emulsion was found less toxic on the renal function than conventional amphotericin B (P < 0.05). From these experimental results, we conclude that amphotericin-B-fat emulsion (Intralipid) was at least as effective and less toxic than conventional amphotericin B.