Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for IWK Health Centre

Caspofungin

Restricted
Restricted

C. diff Risk

Low

Oral Bioavailability

NA

Approximate Cost

$100/day

Spectrum Of Activity

General Spectrum of Activity

Spectrum Of Activity

Dosing

General Pediatric

Greater than 3 months

Loading dose:
70 mg/m²/dose IV x 1 dose
Maximum loading dose: 70 mg/dose

Maintenance dose :
50 mg/m²/dose IV q24h
May increase to 70 mg/m²/dose IV q24h if clinical response is inadequate or in patients who are receiving enzyme inducers.
Maximum maintenance dose: 50 mg/dose

Renal

No dosage adjustment required in patients with renal impairment

General Information

Common Usage

Common Usage

Therapy of suspected and confirmed invasive fungal infections

Drug Monitoring

Drug Monitoring

Periodic liver function tests, renal function tests, CBC with differential

Adverse Effects

Adverse Effects

Increased liver enzymes, elevated bilirubin
GI upset, diarrhea
Pruritis, fever (most common in pediatrics)

Major Interactions

Major Interactions

Cyclosporin and tacrolimus (drug level monitoring recommended)

Additional Information

Additional Information

Pentrates poorly into CSF and urine.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology

Antimicrobial class: Echinocandin