This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.
Background and Date of Approval
The U.S. FDA approved Caspofungin Acetate for fungal infections on December 30, 2004. This belongs to the medication class known as an antifungal.
Mechanism of Action of undefined
Caspofungin Acetate works by weakening fungal cells and inhibiting their growth, preventing the spread of infection. This allows the body's natural defenses to effectively eliminate the infection.
Uses of undefined
Caspofungin Acetate is used in the treatment of candidemia, esophageal candidiasis, other Candida infections, and aspergillosis, which is a fungal infection in the lungs.
undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available
Caspofungin Acetate will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is usually administered in a vein (intravenous). Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.
Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined
Warnings
Caspofungin Acetate should not be consumed if you are allergic to Caspofungin Acetate or any of its ingredients in the medication. If you have a history of liver problems, your dosage of Caspofungin may need to be adjusted. Inform your healthcare provider if you are currently taking cyclosporin, a medication used to prevent organ transplant rejection or suppress the immune system, as extra blood tests may be necessary during your treatment.
Precautions
Avoid taking this medicine if you have uncontrolled bleeding or severely impaired liver function. Notify your doctor if you have an increased risk of bleeding and recently had injections or infusions of other anticoagulants such as heparin. This medicine is not advised to use in children under 18 years old. Before taking the medicine, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding. Notify your doctor if you have or have had a history of any disease.
Side Effects
The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Caspofungin Acetate are inflammation of the vein, itching at the injection site, headache, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, joint pain, chills, fever, decreased albumin (type of protein), low potassium levels in blood, decreased hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying substance), and decreased white blood cells. Some serious side effects also include hypersensitivity and an abnormal rise in liver enzymes.
Word Of Advice
Patients with liver conditions should take Caspofungin Acetate cautiously and inform their doctor about all the underlying medical conditions. Do not stop the medicine until your doctor advises. Do not double-dose the medicine to make up for a forgotten dose. It is important to note that Caspofungin may carry a risk of serious cutaneous adverse reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).
Do not breastfeed while taking Caspofungin Acetate. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Your medical professional will inform you if you need any dose adjustments. Contact your doctor for more information.
Frequently Asked Question
References
- Zentiva Pharma UK limited, Electronics Medicines Compendium (emc), [Revised on November 2022], [Accessed on 15th June 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2226.pdf
- Fresenius, U.S Food and drug administration, [ Revised on Dec 2016], [ Accessed on 15th June 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/206110lbl.pdf
- KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antifungal drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 790.
Disclaimer
The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.
