Caspofungin

Antifungal, Systemic · Echinocandin antifungal

Indications

Treatment of invasive candidiasis. Treatment of invasive aspergillosis in patients refractory to or intolerant of amphotericin and/or itraconazole. Empirical therapy for presumed fungal infections in febrile neutropenic patients.

Dosage

Adults: IV Inf: Under 80 kg: Initially 70 mg on Day 1, then 50 mg daily. Over 80 kg: 70 mg daily. Continue treatment of invasive candidiasis for 14 days after last positive culture and of invasive aspergillosis for 7 days after resolution of symptoms. Empirical therapy: Continue upto 72 hr after resolution of neutropenia. Fungal infection: Treat for minimum 14 days, continue treatment for atleast 7 days after both neutropenia and clinical symptoms resolve. Children: IV Inf: Under 1 yr: see literature. 1- 17 yr: Initially 70 mg /m2 on Day 1, then 50 mg/m2 daily increasing to 70 mg/m2 daily if required. Max 70 mg daily. Duration of treatment: as for Adult.

Administration

Adults & Children: Reconstitute and dilute solution before administration by slow IV inf over 1 hour. Reconstitution: Reconstitute using 0.9% NaCl, SWFI, bacteriostatic water for injection. It should be further diluted with 0.9%, 0.45% or 0.225% NaCl, LR (do not exceed final concentration of 0.5 mg/mL). Stability: Store vial at 2°C-8°C. For reconstituted solution may be stored at = 25°C for 1 hour prior preparation of infusion solution.

Adverse Effects

Inj site reactions, headache, dyspnoea, GI upset, rash, fever, pruritus, chills, arthralgia, raised liver enzymes, decreased haemoglobin and haematocrit, hypokalaemia, hypoalbuminaemia.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Hepatic impairment in children, severe hepatic impairment in adults. Precautions: Moderate hepatic impairment in adults.

Interactions

Cyclosporin, tacrolimus, rifampicin, efavirenz, nevirapine, dexamethasone, phenytoin, carbamazepine.

Advice to Patient

This medication is administered by infusion only. Contact prescriber if there is burning/pain/swelling at infusion site or if there is difficulty in swallowing or breathing, back pain, chest tightness, hives, rash, swelling of mouth/lips, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea.

Brands with this active ingredient

• Caspo PMS
• Caspogin

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.