Drug Groups

approved

Description

Caspofungin (brand name Cancidas worldwide) is an antifungal drug, the first of a new class termed the echinocandins from Merck & Co., Inc. It shows activity against infections with Aspergillus and Candida, and works by inhibiting β(1,3)-D-Glucan of the fungal cell wall. Caspofungin is administered intravenously.

Indication

For the treatment of esophageal candidiasis and invasive aspergillosis in patients who are refractory to or intolerant of other therapies.

Pharmacology

Caspofungin is an antifungal drug, and belongs to a new class termed the echinocandins. It is used to treat Aspergillus and Candida infection, and works by inhibiting cell wall synthesis. Antifungals in the echinocandin class inhibit the synthesis of glucan in the cell wall, probably via the enzyme 1,3-beta glucan synthase. There is a potential for resistance development to occur, however in vitro resistance development to Caspofungin by Aspergillus species has not been studied.

Toxicity

Side effects include rash, swelling, and nausea (rare)

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Metabolized slowly by hydrolysis and N-acetylation

Absorption

92% tissue distribution within 36-48 hours after intravenous infusion

Half Life

9-11 hours

Protein Binding

97%

Elimination

After single intravenous administration of [3H] caspofungin acetate, excretion of caspofungin and its metabolites in humans was 35% of dose in feces and 41% of dose in urine.

Clearance

* 12 mL/min [After single IV administration]

References

External Links