Caspofungin Acetate

It act on the fungal cell wall by inhibiting glucan synthesis. It has antifungal activity against yeasts of the genus candida (including isolates resistant to azoles and amphotericin B), several species of filamentous fungi, including aspergillus, and certain dimorphic fungi, such as Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Coccidiodes and Pneumocystis carinii.

Indications

Esophageal candidiasis and invasive aspergillosis

Dosage

Intravenous, loading -70mg/day, maintenance-50-70mg/day

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity

Special Precautions

Hepatic impairment. Pregnancy, lactation and children,18yrs.

Side Effects

Fever, nausea;vomiting; flushing; venous complications around the infusion site; rash dyspnoea, dystonia, facial swelling, pruritus, stridor, ARDS, anaphylaxis.

Drug Interactions

ciclosporin, efavirenz, nelfinavir, nevirapine, phenytoin, rifampicin, dexamethasone or carbamazepine.