Concentrations of amphotericin B in faeces and blood of healthy volunteers after the oral administration of various doses.

We have investigated which dose of amphotericin B can be regarded as an optimal oral dose for the prophylaxis of colonization of the digestive tract by Candida species. Ten human volunteers were given different doses; each dose was administered for five days. The results of this study revealed that although oral doses of 0.5 g amphotericin B per day resulted in sufficient concentrations in 70% of the faecal samples obtained during application, higher doses (1.5 or 2 g per day) were required to obtain detectable amphotericin B activity in 95% and 100% of the samples, respectively. A daily dose of 1.0 g is recommended. We have taken into consideration the variation in amphotericin B concentrations among individuals following this recommended dose.