Caspofungin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Caspofungin?

What is caspofungin for?

Caspofungin is one of the antifungal drugs belonging to the echinocandins class. This medicine works by stopping the growth of the fungus. Usually, this drug is prescribed if the patient is unable to use or does not respond to other antifungal drugs such as amphotericin B and itraconazole.

How to use caspofungin?

Some things that you should pay attention to before using the caspofungin drug are:

• This medication is given by injection into a vein slowly over an hour, usually once a day. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
• If you are using this medication for yourself at home, learn all forms of preparation and instructions for use from your healthcare professional. Do not shake the container.
• Before using, inspect this product visually for particles or discoloration. If there is this problem, do not use drugs. Learn how to store and dispose of medical supplies safely.
• Continue to use this medication for full treatment until your doctor recommends stopping it. Even if the symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping treatment too early allows bacteria to continue growing, which can result in a return of infection.
• Tell your doctor if your condition persists or gets worse.

How to store caspofungin?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Caspofungin dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the caspofungin dosage for adults?

To treat aspergillosis, the dosage of caspofngin is:

• Dosage: 70 mg IV on the first day
• Maintenance dose: 50 mg IV once daily

The duration of therapy should be based on the severity of the patient's baseline disease, recovery from immunosuppression, and clinical response.

To treat Candidemia and Candida infections, the dosage of caspofungin is:

• Dosage: 70 mg IV on the first day
• Maintenance dose: 50 mg IV once daily

The duration of therapy should be determined based on the patient's clinical and microbiological response. In general, antifungal therapy should be continued for at least 14 days after the last positive culture. Patients who are persistent to neutropenia may undergo longer treatment against delayed neutropenia.

To treat esophageal candidiasis, the dosage of caspofungin is:

• 50 mg IV once daily for 7 to 14 days after resolution of symptoms

A dose of 70 mg has not been studied with these indications. Because of the risk of recurrence of oropharyngeal candidiasis in patients with HIV infection, suppressive oral therapy may be considered.

What is the dosage of caspofungin for children?

To treatFor Candidemia and Candida infections, the dosage of caspofungin is:

• Dosage: 70 mg / m2 IV on the first day
• Maintenance dose: 50 mg / m2 IV once daily

The maximum dose and daily maintenance dose should not exceed 70 mg, regardless of the patient calculated dose. If a daily dose of 50 mg / m2 is tolerated but does not provide an adequate clinical response, the daily dose may be increased to 70 mg / m2 daily (no more than 70 mg).

The duration of therapy should be determined by the patient's clinical and microbiological response. In general, antifungal therapy should be continued for at least 14 days after the last positive culture. Patients who are persistent to neutropenia may undergo longer treatment against delayed neutropenia.

To treat aspergillosis, the dosage of caspofngin is:

• Dosage: 70 mg / m2 IV on the first day
• Maintenance dose: 50 mg / m2 IV once daily

The maximum dose and daily maintenance dose should not exceed 70 mg, regardless of the patient calculated dose. If 50 mg / m2 daily dose is tolerated but does not provide adequate clinical response, the daily dose may be increased to 70 mg / m2 daily (no more than 70 mg).

To treat esophageal candidiasis, the dosage of caspofngin is:

• Dosage: 70 mg / m2 IV on day 1
• Maintenance dose: 50 mg / m2 IV once daily for 7 to 14 days after resolution of symptoms

The maximum dose and daily maintenance dose should not exceed 70 mg, regardless of the patient calculated dose. If 50 mg / m2 daily dose is tolerated but does not provide adequate clinical response, the daily dose may be increased to 70 mg / m2 daily (no more than 70 mg).

Because of the risk of recurrence of oropharyngeal candidiasis in patients with HIV infection, suppressive oral therapy may be considered.

In what dosage is caspofungin available?

The caspofungin dosage is a solution for injection.

Caspofungin side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to caspofungin?

The most common side effects of the drug caspofungin are:

• Allergic reactions
• Itchy
• Difficulty breathing
• Pain and swelling and at the needle injection site
• Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
• Swelling in the hands or feet
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramp
• Heart palpitations or abnormal heartbeat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Caspofungin Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using caspofungin?

You should not use caspofungin if you are allergic to it. If you have any of the following conditions, you may need to adjust the dosage or special tests:

• Liver disease
• If you have recently had heart disease, or a liver or kidney transplant.

Is caspofungin safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B (according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated

Caspofungin Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with caspofungin?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Taking this medication with the drugs below may increase your risk of side effects, but in some cases, a combination of these two drugs may be the best treatment. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Cyclosporine
• Tacrolimus

Taking this medication with the drugs below may increase your risk of side effects, but in some cases, a combination of these two drugs may be the best treatment. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Carbamazepine
• Dexamethasone
• Efavirenz
• Fosphenytoin
• Nevirapine
• Phenytoin
• Rifampin

Can food or alcohol interact with caspofungin?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with caspofungin?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems.

Caspofungin overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.