Final answer:
Fluconazole is used instead of Amphotericin B in certain systemic yeast infections like cryptococcal meningitis and oral thrush in AIDS patients due to its fewer side effects and better tolerability, especially for long-term treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fluconazole is used as an alternative treatment to Amphotericin B in the management of several types of systemic yeast infections, such as cryptococcal meningitis, especially in patients with AIDS, and oral thrush. While Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal that targets fungal cell membranes and is typically used for the initial treatment of pulmonary infections, it is associated with substantial side effects, including nephrotoxicity (kidney toxicity) and hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity).
After initial treatment, patients are often prescribed fluconazole for up to 6 months to clear the infection due to its better side effect profile and the selective toxicity of the triazole class of antifungals. Therefore, fluconazole is considered when a balance between efficacy and minimizing side effects is sought, especially in the management of infections in immunocompromised individuals who require long-term therapy.