Observation on Toxicity of Intravenous Amphotericin - B in Diagnosed Cases of Kala - Azar in Daily Versus Alternate Day Regimen

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) is a disease caused by a protozoan parasite, Leishmaniasis donovani and transmitted by the bite of sand fly vector Phlebotomus argentipes. For patients with Indian visceral leishmaniasis, Amphotericin-B deoxycholate is usually given as 15 alternate-day infusion of 0.75mg/kg over 30 days; daily treatment with 0.75mg/kg body weight is also used. An observation of toxicity of intravenous Amphotericin-B in diagnosed cases of Kala-azar on daily versus alternate day regimen on a dose of 0.75mg/kg body weight was compared. Results revealed that daily regimen of Amphotericin-B in a dose of 0.75 mg/kg body weight can be given safely to patients and this regimen can not only reduce the financial burden on the patients but can also reduce hospital stay.