A patient is being treated with amphotericin B [Abelcet] for a systemic fungal infection. After several weeks of therapy, the provider orders flucytosine [Ancobon] in addition to the amphotericin. The nurse understands that the rationale for this combination is that it:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Amphotericin potentiates the antifungal actions of flucytosine, and combining flucytosine with low-dose amphotericin can produce antifungal effects equivalent to those of high-dose amphotericin. By allowing a reduced dose of amphotericin, the combination also reduces the risk of amphotericin-induced toxicity. Flucytosine does not affect the effectiveness of amphotericin. The combination does not broaden the antifungal spectrum or alter the ability to treat CNS infections.

A Patient Is Being Treated with Amphotericin B [Abelcet] for a Systemic