Caspofungin
About
Caspofungin belongs to the class of medicines known as 'antifungals' used to treat various fungal infections. A fungal infection is caused when a fungus invades and affects any body part.
Caspofungin contains Caspofungin, which inhibits the formation of a fungal cell wall component required for the fungus to continue living and growing. When fungal cells are exposed to Caspofungin, their cell walls become partial or faulty, making them fragile and unable to grow. As a result, fungal cells get killed, or their growth is minimized.
A qualified healthcare professional will administer Caspofungin. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects, such as injection site reactions, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, tremors, sweating, high blood pressure, difficulty sleeping and swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Before taking Caspofungin, inform your doctor about your medical condition, sensitivities, and medications. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Do not use any other medicines with Caspofungin without a doctor's recommendation. Caspofungin may cause dizziness; therefore, avoid driving vehicles or operating machinery until you return to normal. Avoid the consumption of alcohol while on Caspofungin therapy.
Uses of Caspofungin
Medicinal Benefits
Caspofungin is an antifungal agent, a medicine used to treat several fungal infections. It can be used to treat fungal infections that other drugs have failed to treat. It is also used to treat serious fungal infections in persons who have a reduced immune system. Caspofungin works by killing or preventing fungi or yeast by inhibiting an enzyme in fungi responsible for its membrane formation. As a result, fungal cells get killed, or their growth is minimized.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Caspofungin
- Injection site reactions
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Flushing
- Tremor
- Sweating
- High blood pressure
- Muscle ache,
- Joint or bone pain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
It is recommended not to use Caspofungin if you are allergic to any component present, so inform your doctor about your sensitivities with medicines and foods. Also, let your doctor know about your medical condition and the medications you are currently using. Do not use any other drugs with Caspofungin without a doctor’s recommendation. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Caspofungin is known to interact with other antifungals (e.g. Ketoconazole), anticonvulsant medications (e.g. Carbamazepine, Phenytoin) and HIV medications (Efavirenz, Nelfinavir).
Drug-Food Interactions: No major interactions were found or established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: No major interactions were found or established.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoiding alcohol is recommended to rule out any possibility of side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionCaspofungin is generally not recommended in pregnancy. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, please inform your doctor. It is not known if Caspofungin passes into breastmilk. Your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding before starting the treatment with Caspofungin.
Driving
cautionCaspofungin may cause dizziness; therefore, avoid driving vehicles or operating machinery until you return to normal.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Caspofungin if you have had a liver impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Caspofungin if you have had a kidney impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
safe if prescribedPlease consult your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- It is advisable to follow a candida diet during fungal infections. This diet excludes sugar, gluten, certain dairy products, and alcohol. Switch to low-sugar fruits, non-starchy vegetables and gluten-free foods. A very high sugar or high-carbohydrate diet may increase the count of Candida in some people.
- Create a well-balanced and healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, omega-3-rich foods, and lean protein sources.
- Limit or avoid alcohol consumption.
- Quitting smoking is the best strategy to lower the risk of any disease.
- Avoid sharing towels, combs, bedsheets, shoes or socks with others.
- Wash your bedsheets and towels regularly.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Fungal infections: Fungal infection occurs when a fungus enters, infects and multiplies in the body. Fungi can live in water, soil, air and plants. Fungi affect any body part, including the mouth, throat, oesophagus, lungs, bladder, genital area and blood. Mild fungal skin infections are common and can cause rashes. Fungal infections affecting body organs like the lungs can cause flu or tuberculosis. Some fungal diseases like cryptococcal meningitis and blood infections can be fatal. A few common fungal infections are yeast infections that affect the genital area, oesophagus and urinary tract caused by Candida.
FAQs
Caspofungin contains Caspofungin, which inhibits the formation of a fungal cell wall component required for the fungus to continue living and growing. When fungal cells are exposed to Caspofungin, their cell walls become partial or faulty, making them fragile and unable to grow.
Caspofungin is not suitable for patients with known hypersensitivity to any components present in Caspofungin.
Caspofungin is unlikely to interfere with your contraception, including the combination pill or emergency contraception. For further information, seek medical advice from your healthcare professional.
Yes, fungal infection is a contagious skin condition that spreads from one person to another through direct skin-to-skin contact or by contact with contaminated soil or surfaces and infected animals. Therefore, avoiding close direct contact until the infection is clear and avoiding sharing things with the infected person is recommended, as it can also spread the infection.
No, you can continue to eat and drink normally while taking Caspofungin unless instructed by the doctor.
