How Is Cryptococcal Meningitis Treated?
Cryptococcal meningitis is treated with anti-fungal drugs. Some physicians use fluconazole (see Fact Sheet 534). It is available in pill form or as an intravenous (IV) drug. Fluconazole is fairly effective, and is generally easy to tolerate. Itraconazole is sometimes used for people who cannot take fluconazole. Other health care providers prefer to use a combination of amphotericin B and flucytosine capsules. Amphotericin B is a very strong drug. It is given as an injection or a slow intravenous (IV) infusion. Both of these drugs can have serious side effects. Side effects can be reduced by taking Advil or Tylenol a half hour before taking the drug. In a newer form of amphotericin, the medication is encased in fat bubbles (liposomes). This form may have fewer side effects. Cryptococcal meningitis comes back after the first time in about half of the people who get it. Repeat cases are reduced if people keep taking antifungal drugs. For some people, draining spinal fluid daily to reduce
