| name | Echinocandin Antifungal Agents |
| classification | Antifungal agents |
| pharmacokinetics | | description | Echinocandins are primarily nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic, and are cleared primarily by renal elimination. | | absorption | Variable, with some oral absorption possible but typically administered intravenously or by other parenteral routes. | | distribution | Distributes throughout the body, including sites of infection. Penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is variable and depends on the specific drug. | | metabolism | Metabolized primarily by the liver and kidneys. Some metabolites may have similar or altered activity compared to the parent drug. | | excretion | Eliminated primarily through the kidneys. | | specific details | | 1 | | drug | Caspofungin | | half life | 7-12 hours | | dosage form | IV infusion |
| | 2 | | drug | Anidulafungin | | half life | 2-4 hours | | dosage form | IV infusion |
| | 3 | | drug | Micafungin | | half life | 11-12 hours | | dosage form | IV infusion |
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| dosage recommendations | | description | Dosage varies significantly depending on the specific echinocandin, patient's condition, renal function, and other factors. Consult a physician or pharmacist for accurate individualized recommendations. Dosage adjustments are critical in patients with renal impairment or other relevant medical conditions. | | specific dosages | | 1 | | drug | Caspofungin | | typical dosage adults | 70mg IV once daily | | dosage adjustments | Adjust dosage according to creatinine clearance or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). |
| | 2 | | drug | Anidulafungin | | typical dosage adults | 100mg IV once daily | | dosage adjustments | Adjust dosage according to creatinine clearance or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). |
| | 3 | | drug | Micafungin | | typical dosage adults | 100mg IV once daily | | dosage adjustments | Adjust dosage according to creatinine clearance or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). |
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| indications | Treatment of invasive aspergillosis, candidiasis, and other fungal infections, often in combination with other therapies. |
| safety in pregnancy | | description | Limited data available on use during pregnancy. Use only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks, and under careful consideration by a healthcare provider. | | specific warnings | Potential adverse effects on the developing fetus have been suggested, especially during the first trimester. Detailed discussion with a physician is required. | | additional notes | Specific recommendations based on trimester of pregnancy should be sought from a healthcare professional. |
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| safety in breastfeeding | | description | Limited data available regarding excretion into breast milk. Consult with a healthcare professional for individualized advice. | | specific warnings | Potential for minimal levels of echinocandins to be present in breast milk; monitoring of the infant may be appropriate if use is considered. | | alternative considerations | Alternatives may be considered if breastfeeding is desired. |
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| side effects | | 1 | Nausea | | 2 | Vomiting | | 3 | Diarrhea | | 4 | Headache | | 5 | Fever | | 6 | Rash | | 7 | Hypokalemia | | 8 | Elevated Liver Enzymes | | 9 | Nephrotoxicity | | 10 | Thrombocytopenia | | 11 | Leukopenia | | 12 | Hypersensitivity reactions | | 13 | Infusion-related reactions (with intravenous administration) |
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| contraindications | | 1 | Hypersensitivity to echinocandins or components of the formulation | | 2 | Severe liver or kidney disease |
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| interactions | | 1 | Other antifungals | | 2 | Cytotoxic drugs | | 3 | Certain medications that can affect liver/kidney function |
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| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Regular monitoring of renal and hepatic function is crucial. | | 2 | Monitor for signs of hypersensitivity. | | 3 | Dosage adjustments are necessary in patients with renal impairment. | | 4 | Potential for drug-drug interactions, especially with medications affecting kidney function. Avoid concurrent use of such medications unless necessary under strict medical supervision. |
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| additional information | Echinocandins are effective against various fungal infections, but resistant strains can develop. Frequent monitoring of infection response and therapy adjustments are essential. |
