Caspofungin
Also known as: Cancidas, CAS 179861-57-2, Caspofungin acetate, L-743,872, MK-0991
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Summary
Caspofungin is a semisynthetic cyclic lipopeptide antifungal (echinocandin) administered intravenously for invasive candidiasis, esophageal candidiasis, and invasive aspergillosis.
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits fungal β-(1,3)-D-glucan synthase, impairing cell wall synthesis
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Treatment of invasive aspergillosisAntifungalHigh
- Antifungal prophylaxis in high-risk patientsProphylaxisModerate
- Treatment of invasive candidiasisAntifungalHigh
- Treatment of esophageal candidiasisAntifungal TherapyHigh
- Prophylaxis in neutropenic patientsPreventionModerate
- Empirical antifungal therapy in febrile neutropeniaAntifungal Prophylaxis/empirical TherapyHigh
Contraindications
- Concomitant use with cyclosporine (relative)Drug InteractionModerate
- Severe hepatic impairment (Child‑Pugh C)Liver DiseaseModerate
- Hypersensitivity to caspofungin or any echinocandinAllergyHigh
- Known hypersensitivity to caspofungin or any componentAllergyHigh
Adverse Effects
- Elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT)HepatotoxicityCommon
- HypokalemiaElectrolyteCommon
- AnaphylaxisImmunologicRareSevere life-threatening allergic reaction
- Nausea/vomitingGastrointestinalUncommon
- Infusion‑related reactions (fever, chills, rigors)SystemicCommon
- Rash or pruritusDermatologicUncommon
- Infusion-related reactions (flushing, rash, pruritus)Infusion ReactionUncommon
- FeverSystemicCommonElevated body temperature
- Elevated liver transaminases (ALT/AST)HepaticCommon
- DiarrheaGastrointestinalUncommonLoose or frequent stools
Drug Interactions
- RifampinModerate
- CyclosporineModerate
- Efavirenz/Nevirapine/Carbamazepine/Phenytoin/DexamethasoneModerate
- TacrolimusModerate
Population Constraints
- Pregnancy (Category C)ReproductiveRelative
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Pediatric patients (<18 years)AgeRelative
- Pediatric patients under 3 monthsAgeRelative
- Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh >9)HepaticRelative
- BreastfeedingReproductiveRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: Invasive candidiasis, Esophageal candidiasis, Invasive aspergillosisSame as US
- United StatesApprovedApproved: Invasive candidiasis, Esophageal candidiasis, Invasive aspergillosisIV formulation only
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: Invasive candidiasis, Esophageal candidiasis, Invasive aspergillosisMarketed as Cancidas
FDA approved in 2001 (Cancidas); also approved in the EU and UK. Available only as an intravenous formulation.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caspofungin?
Caspofungin is a semisynthetic cyclic lipopeptide antifungal (echinocandin) administered intravenously for invasive candidiasis, esophageal candidiasis, and invasive aspergillosis.
What is Caspofungin used for?
Caspofungin is educationally associated with: Treatment of invasive aspergillosis, Antifungal prophylaxis in high-risk patients, Treatment of invasive candidiasis, Treatment of esophageal candidiasis, Prophylaxis in neutropenic patients, Empirical antifungal therapy in febrile neutropenia. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Caspofungin administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intravenous.
What are the potential side effects of Caspofungin?
Reported adverse effects include: Elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT), Hypokalemia, Anaphylaxis, Nausea/vomiting, Infusion‑related reactions (fever, chills, rigors), Rash or pruritus, Infusion-related reactions (flushing, rash, pruritus), Fever, Elevated liver transaminases (ALT/AST), Diarrhea. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Caspofungin?
Recorded contraindications: Concomitant use with cyclosporine (relative), Severe hepatic impairment (Child‑Pugh C), Hypersensitivity to caspofungin or any echinocandin, Known hypersensitivity to caspofungin or any component. Consult a qualified clinician before use.