I. Bekersky et al., Safety, toxicokinetics and tissue distribution of long-term intravenous liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome (R)): A 91-day study in rats, PHARM RES, 17(12), 2000, pp. 1494-1502
Purpose. Amphotericin B in small, unilamellar liposomes (AmBisome(R)) is sa
fer and produces higher plasma concentrations than other formulations. Beca
use liposomes may increase and prolong tissue exposures. the potential for
drug accumulation or delayed toxicity after chronic AmBisome was investigat
ed.
Methods, Rats(174/sex) received intravenous AmBisome (1, 4, or 12 mg/kg). d
extrose. or empty liposomes for 91 days with a 30-day recovery. Safety (inc
luding clinical and microscopic pathology) and toxicokinetics in plasma and
tissues were evaluated.
Results. Chemical and histopathologic changes demonstrated that the kidneys
and liver were the target organs for chronic AmBisome toxicity. Nephrotoxi
city was moderate (urean nitrogen [BUN] less than or equal to 51 mg/ dl: cr
eatinine: unchanged). Liposome-related changes (vacuolated macrophages and
hypercholesterolemia) were also observed. Although plasma and tissue accumu
lation was nonlinear and progressive (clearance and volume decreased, half-
life increased with dose and time), most toxic changes occurred early, stab
ilized by the end of dosing, and reversed during recovery. There were no de
layed toxicities. Concentrations in liver and spleen greatly exceeded those
in plasma: kidney and lung concentrations were similar to those in plasma.
Elimination half-lives were 1-4 weeks in all tissues.
Conclusions. Despite nonlinear accumulation. AmBisome revealed predictable
hepatic and renal toxicities after 91 days. with no new or delayed effects
after prolonged treatment at high doses that resulted in plasma levels >200
mug/ml and tissue levels >3000 mug/g.