Caspofungin

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Antimycotic from the class of Echinocandine.

Pharmacodynamics (Effect)This section has been translated automatically.

Inhibition of ß-(1,3)-D-glucan synthesis in the cell membrane of pathogenic fungal species, so that no incorporation into the cell wall occurs.

IndicationThis section has been translated automatically.

Invasive candidiasis, invasive aspergillosis, if they do not respond to therapies with conventional and liposomal amphotericin B or itraconazole or if they are not tolerated these standard drugs

Limited indicationThis section has been translated automatically.

Not in children < 18 years. Simultaneous use of Ciclosporin A (close monitoring of liver enzymes). Reduced maintenance dose in liver failure.

Pregnancy/nursing periodThis section has been translated automatically.

So far no data on the use of caspofungin during pregnancy. Therefore, use only if therapeutic benefit justifies a possible risk for the unborn child.

Dosage and method of useThis section has been translated automatically.

  • Initial 70 mg i.v. on the 1st day of treatment, from day 2 on 50 mg/day i.v.
  • For patients > 80 kg: No dose reduction after initial dose, continue treatment with 70 mg/day i.v.

  • Notice! Dose reduction may be necessary in patients with liver failure.

Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.

Rare: fever, thrombophlebitis, nausea/vomiting, flush.

ContraindicationThis section has been translated automatically.

Neutropenia, allergy to caspofungin or other components of the drug.

PreparationsThis section has been translated automatically.

Cancidas®

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Brown AL, Greig JR (2003) Caspofungin versus amphotericin B for invasive candidiasis. N Engl J Med 348:1287-1288
  2. Letscher-Bru V, Herbrecht R (2003) Caspofungin: the first representative of a new antifungal class. J Antimicrob Chemother 51: 513-521
  3. Smith K et al (2003) Resolution of azole-resistant oesophageal candidiasis in an AIDS patient after treatment with caspofungin. AIDS 17: 448-449
  4. Walsh TJ (2002) Echinocandins--an advance in the primary treatment of invasive candidiasis. N Engl J Med 347: 2070-2072

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer