Caspofungin
- Atc Codes:J02AX04
- CAS Codes:179463-17-3
- PHARMGKB ID:179463-17-3
Table of contents
- Brand Names
- Chemistry
- Pharmacologic Category
- Mechanism of Action
- Therapeutic Use
- Pregnancy and Lactation Implications
- Contraindications
- Warnings and Precautions
- Adverse Reactions
- Genes that may be involved
- Induces
- Drug Interactions
- Dosage
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
- Special Considerations
Brand Names
Europe
Austria: Cancidas; Belgium: Cancidas; Cyprus: Cancidas; Czech Republic: Cancidas; Denmark: Cancidas; Estonia: Cancidas; Finland: Cancidas; France: Cancidas; Germany: Cancidas; Greece: Cancidas; Hungary: Cancidas; Ireland: Cancidas; Italy: Cancidas; Latvia: Cancidas; Lithuania: Cancidas; Luxembourg: Cancidas; Malta: Cancidas; Netherlands: Cancidas; Poland: Cancidas; Portugal: Cancidas; Romania: Cancidas; Slovakia: Cancidas; Slovenia: Cancidas; Spain: Cancidas; Sweden: Cancidas; UK: Cancidas.
North America
Canada: Cancidas; USA: Cancidas.
Latin America
Argentina: Cancidas; Brazil: Cancidas.
Drug combinations
Chemistry
Caspofungin Acetate: C~52~H~88~N~10~O~15~ 2C~2~H~4~O~2~. Mw: 1213.42. (1) 1-[(4R,5S)-5-[(2-Aminoethyl)amino]-N^2^-(10,12-dimethyl-1-oxotetradecyl)-4-hydroxy-L-ornithine]-5-[(3R)-3-hydroxy-L-ornithine]pneumocandin B~0~, diacetate; (2)(4R,5S)-5-[(2-Aminoethyl)amino]-N^2^-(10,12-dimethyltetradecanoyl)-4-hydroxy-L-ornithyl-L-threonyl-trans-4-hydroxy-L-prolyl-(S)-4-hydroxy-4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-L-threonyl-threo-3-hydroxy-L-ornithyl-trans-3-hydroxy-L-proline cyclic (6→1)-peptide, diacetate. CAS-179463-17-3 (1998).
Pharmacologic Category
Antifungals; Echinocandins. (ATC-Code: J02AX04).
Mechanism of action
Inhibits synthesis of β(1,3)-D-glucan, an essential component of the cell wall of susceptible fungi. Highest activity in regions of active cell growth. Echinocandins (e.g. caspofungin, micafungin) differ structurally and pharmacologically from other available antifungals. Active in vitro against Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. strictum, and A. terreus. Active against Candida, including C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. guilliermondii, C. kefyr, C. krusei, C. lusitaniae, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis. Cryptococcus neoformans and Fusarium generally resistant.
Therapeutic use
Aspergillus infections in patients who are refractory or intolerant of other therapy. Candidemia and other Candida infections (intra-abdominal abscesses, esophageal, peritonitis, pleural space). Presumed fungal infections in febrile neutropenic patient.
Pregnancy and lactiation implications
Adverse events observed in animal studies. There are no adequate studies in pregnant women. Use during pregnancy only if potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Use with caution during lactation.
Unlabeled use
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to caspofungin or any component of the formulation.
Warnings and precautions
Use with caution in hepatic impairment (increases transaminases). Concurrent use of cyclosporine should be limited to patients for whom benefit outweighs risk (high frequency of hepatic transaminase elevations). May cause dizziness and insomnia.