Low dose liposomal amphotericin B seems to be effective against visceral leishmaniasis

Low dose liposomal amphotericin B given as a single dose or short five day course seems effective against visceral leishmaniasis in India. Recommended regimens of liposomal amphotericin are prohibitively expensive in developing countries, but in a pilot study on 91 patients, Sundar et al (p 419) found cure rates of 92% with a dose of 5 mg/kg given either as a single infusion or over five days. If proved effective in larger trials, low dose regimens should help make the drug more affordable.

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Relevant Article

Treatment of Indian visceral leishmaniasis with single or daily infusions of low dose liposomal amphotericin B: randomised trial • Commentary: cost and resistance remain issues

Shyam Sundar, G Agrawal, Madhukar Rai, M K Makharia, Henry W Murray, and Diana N J Lockwood
BMJ 2001 323: 419-422. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]