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