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Caspofungin

Information about Caspofungin

Caspofungin Uses

Caspofungin is used in the treatment of severe fungal infections.

How Caspofungin works

Caspofungin kills fungus by preventing them from making their protective covering.

Common side effects of Caspofungin

Chills, Decreased potassium level in blood, Diarrhea, Fever, Increased alkaline phospatase level in blood, Increased liver enzymes, Rash

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Betina Chandolia

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Lalit Kanodia

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

24 May 2021 | 09:52 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Caspofungin

Expert advice for Caspofungin

Caspofungin is given as a slow drip into vein (IV infusion) under the supervision of a doctor.
Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
Your doctor may check your liver function regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop abdominal pain, loss of appetite, darkened urine or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions for Caspofungin

Caspofungin

Q. What is Caspofungin used to treat?

Caspofungin is used to treat serious fungal as well as yeast infections in the blood, stomach, lungs, and food pipe (esophagus).

Q. Is Caspofungin an antibiotic?

Yes, Caspofungin is an antifungal antibiotic. It kills the fungi and yeast causing serious infections and helps in clearing the infection.

Q. How is Caspofungin administered?

Caspofungin should be administered as an injection into a vein under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional or a doctor only usually once a day. It should be injected slowly over 1 hour and should not be self-administered. The dose will depend on the condition you are being treated for and will be decided by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Caspofungin.

Q. What does Caspofungin target?

Caspofungin targets an essential component of the outermost layer (cell wall) of the fungus, called beta-(1,3)-D-glucan. This component is present in the Aspergillus species and Candida species but not present in mammalian cells. Caspofungin stops the synthesis of this component and this kills the fungus, inhibits further growth, thereby clearing the infection.

Q. Is Caspofungin effective?

Caspofungin is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Caspofungin too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.