Candidiasis
Candida albicans is the most common cause of human candidal infections,1 but other pathogenic species include Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, Candida lusitaniae, and Candida stellatoidea.
Pathophysiology
Infections caused by Candida may affect numerous organ systems, such as the eyes, lungs, kidneys, heart, and CNS.
Skin
The most common manifestation of candidal infection is diaper dermatitis in infants. Candida organisms can also cause intertrigo in older individuals. Intertrigo has a predilection for dark moist areas, such as the groin or fat folds. Predisposing conditions include diabetes mellitus, obesity, and hyperhidrosis.
Nails
A chronic paronychia may be caused by one of several Candida species. Candida organisms can also cause onychomycosis, including total nail dystrophy due to chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMCC), a rare T-cell disorder.
Mucous membranes
Thrush, or oral candidiasis, is also common in infants. Oral candidiasis may also be an adverse effect from using inhaled corticosteroids for asthma due to oral deposition. Patients who are immunocompromised may suffer from candidal esophagitis as well as thrush.
Genitals
Vaginal yeast infections affect nearly 75% of women. Male partners may develop balanitis or balanoposthitis. Individuals with chronic indwelling catheters are also predisposed to recurrent candidal infections.
Systemic
Candida organisms can cause severe systemic infections in immunocompromised patients, compared with benign cutaneous or localized infections in immunocompetent patients. Reports of systemic candidiasis are common in children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other immune deficiencies, as well as in very low birth weight premature infants. Risk factors for candidemia in critically ill children have been identified.47 Manifestations include fungemia, endophthalmitis, meningitis, renal or bladder bezoars, and arthritis.
Virulence factors
Numerous factors can contribute to the likelihood of candidal infections. An intact skin barrier is protective. Candidal infections are promoted in the face of lymphocyte dysfunction, as is observed in persons with AIDS and those with CMCC. Adherence of Candida organisms to oral and vaginal epithelium is believed to be promoted by biologic factors (eg, fibronectin in thromboses) and by iatrogenic factors (eg, presence of plastic catheters, disruption of normal bacterial flora). In neonates, risk factors include indwelling catheters, prolonged antibiotic use, necrotizing enterocolitis, previous bloodstream infections, total parenteral nutrition, and low birth weight.
Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis
CMCC is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by chronic candidal infections of the nails, skin, and mucous membranes. Most CMCC disorders are autosomal recessive and related to a mutation in the AIRE gene. Lymphocyte numbers are normal; however, response to in vitro exposure to candidal antigen is absent.
Thrush occurs in approximately 2-5% of healthy newborns and a slightly higher percentage of infants in the first year of life. Vaginal candidal infections occur in approximately 75% of women, and 40-50% of women experience recurrence. Approximately 2-5% of premature infants weighing less than 1500 g develop disseminated disease.
History
Thrush
Infants with thrush may experience pain, poor feeding, or fussiness.
Cutaneous candidiasis
Patients with cutaneous candidiasis experience itching, burning, and soreness.
Most commonly affected areas are the diaper area in infants and toddlers and abdominal fat folds and groin in older individuals.
Paronychia and onychomycosis
Candidal paronychia and nail disease has a predilection for the fingernails.
Paronychia is usually painful.
Vulvovaginitis
Most women with vulvovaginitis complain of a creamy vaginal discharge with soreness and burning.
Dyspareunia is often present.
Otitis externa
Otitis externa is found most commonly in tropical and subtropical climates.
Malnutrition and immunosuppression are risk factors.
Candidiasis is clinically difficult to distinguish from other causes of otitis externa.
GI candidiasis
GI candidiasis is primarily observed in individuals who are immunocompromised, especially in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and/or primary immunodeficiency.
This may be a cause of chronic diarrhea.
Common in infants, glossitis may occur in older children following use of broad-spectrum antibiotics or may signal immunodeficiency.
Esophagitis should be suspected in individuals who are immunocompromised when oral candidiasis is present. Symptoms include dysphagia and odynophagia. Risk of esophagitis is elevated in children taking H2 blockers.
Pneumonia
This is extremely rare and usually results from disseminated disease.
Cystitis
Risk factors for cystitis include indwelling urinary catheters, immunosuppression, diabetes mellitus, and use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Endophthalmitis
Endophthalmitis is the most common intraocular infection in newborns.
Risk factors include low birth weight and prolonged hospitalization.
CNS infections
CNS infections usually present as subacute meningitis.
Risk factors include indwelling catheters (especially shunts), prematurity, malnutrition, immunodeficiency, and organ transplantation.
Endocarditis
Risk factors for endocarditis include immunosuppression, HIV infection, intravenous catheters, corticosteroid use, prolonged hospitalization, and use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Hepatic (hepatosplenic) candidiasis
Risk factors include neutropenia.
Hepatic candidiasis may present with fever of unknown origin. It is usually a manifestation of disseminated candidiasis.
Hepatic candidiasis commonly occurs in oncology patients after a prolonged course of neutropenia. Symptoms develop with return of neutrophils.
Physical
Thrush
White plaques are observed in the mouth and may affect the lips, tongue, gums, and palate
Scraping of the lesions may reveal erythema and bleeding at the base (see following image). The plaques do not scrape off easily.
Cutaneous candidiasis
Lesions consist of beefy-red plaques, often with scalloped borders.
Satellite papules and pustules may be observed surrounding the plaques.
Maceration is often present, especially in intertriginous areas
Candidal diaper dermatitis is generally confluent in intertriginous areas, whereas generic diaper dermatitis may demonstrate sparing in the folds.
Paronychia and onychomycosis
Paronychia typically involves the cuticular fold of fingernails, causing redness, swelling, and pain.
Pus may be present.
Nail involvement usually stems from long-standing paronychia and causes a yellow discoloration of the nail, often with separation of the nail from the nail bed.
Genital candidiasis
With vulvovaginitis, a creamy white discharge is usually present. White plaques may be observed on an erythematous base of the vaginal mucosa or vulvar skin. Papules and pustules may be present.
With balanitis, lesions are usually observed on the glans penis and consist of erythematous plaques, pustules, or erosions.
GI disease
Glossitis is characterized by creamy or curdlike white plaques, which may be painful and bleed beneath when scraped.
With esophagitis, oral candidiasis may or may not be present. Weight loss is common.
Otitis externa
Tenderness of the pinna, aural discharge, and erythema characterize otitis externa.
Lymphadenopathy of postauricular or preauricular nodes may be present.
A grayish membrane may be present in the canal.
Hepatic candidiasis
This infection usually presents as abscesses in the liver and/or spleen.
Endocarditis
Endocarditis is characterized by fever and a new or changing heart murmur.
Symptoms relating to embolization to other organs (eg, CNS, kidneys, lungs, retina and choroid, skin) may be present.
Endophthalmitis
White well-circumscribed lesions of the retina and choroid in the posterior pole characterize endophthalmitis.
Isolation of candida from blood, urine, or other sources supports the diagnosis of endophthalmitis.
CNS infections
Signs consistent with meningitis are often present with CNS infections.
Evidence of candidal infection of other organ systems may be present.
Causes
Candidal infections have differing presentations in patients who are immunocompetent versus persons who are immunocompromised.
Patient who is immunocompetent
Although candidal diaper rash is common in healthy infants, predisposing factors causing candidal infections in older individuals are often present.
The most common factor is the disruption of normal flora following a course of antibiotic therapy, which is most commonly observed as cutaneous candidiasis or vulvovaginitis.
Other risk factors for candidal infection relate to impaired immune function, including individuals with diabetes mellitus, premature infants, hosts who are immunocompromised, and persons using systemic or topical corticosteroids.
Other risk factors include obesity, heat, and excessive sweating.
Patient who is immunocompromised
Individuals who are immunocompromised are more susceptible to oral and cutaneous candidiasis and often have a more severe course.
Oral candidiasis may appear as acute or chronic atrophic candidiasis, which causes painful red erosions of the tongue and mucous membranes.
Candida species are frequent causes of central venous catheter infections.
Immunosuppression may also cause systemic candidiasis, which may present as fungemia or funguria. Candida species may cause fungal bezoars in the kidney or bladder, or candidiasis may cause abscesses in the liver or spleen. Candidal meningitis, arthritis, and endophthalmitis all have been reported.
Neonates
Neonates with very low birth weight are at a higher risk of developing candidemia.
Risk factors include low birth weight, broad spectrum antibiotic use, total parental nutrition, previous bloodstream infections, or necrotizing enterocolitis.
Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMCC)
CMCC is a cluster of disorders of cell-mediated immunity that presents as chronic severe candidal infections of the skin and mucous membranes.
Treatment of candidal infections is primarily accomplished with appropriate antifungal drugs.2 Today, neonatal intensive care units in some centers are routinely starting fluconazole prophylaxis to very low birth weight neonates and those with other risk factors to prevent invasive candidiasis
Medication
Candidal infections are sensitive to a broad range of antifungal agents. Nystatin and one of the imidazoles are the most commonly used agents for oral or cutaneous candidiasis. Noting the resistance pattern in your area is important; fluconazole-resistant Candida has been reported. New antifungals include the echinocandins (eg, caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin). The mechanism of action of this group is to interfere with the cell wall integrity inhibiting 1,3 beta-D-glucan synthase. Caspofungin has recently been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the pediatric population.
Topical antifungals (oral preparations)
These agents are used for the treatment of oral candidiasis (thrush).
Nystatin oral suspension (Nilstat)
Drug of choice (DOC) for PO candidiasis. Fungicidal and fungistatic antibiotic obtained from Streptomyces noursei.
Adult
4-6 mL (ie, 400,000-600,000 U) PO swish and spit qid until 48 h after lesions resolve
Pediatric
Premature infants: 0.25-0.5 mL to each side of mouth qid until 48 h after lesions resolve
Infants: 1 mL to each side of mouth qid until 48 h after lesions resolve
Children: 2-3 mL to each side of mouth qid until 48 h after lesions resolve
1 mL=100,000 U
Documented hypersensitivity
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Precautions
Safe in breastfeeding because PO susp is poorly absorbed
Gentian violet
Effective as second-line agent for PO candidiasis resistant to nystatin.
Adult
Apply to affected areas tid
Pediatric
Administer as in adults
Documented hypersensitivity
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Stains skin and clothing
Topical antifungals (dermatologic)
These agents are used to treat cutaneous candidiasis.
Nystatin cream (Mycostatin, Nilstat)
DOC in cutaneous candidiasis. Each gram of cream contains 100,000 U.
Adult
Apply bid/qid to affected areas until 48 h after resolution of lesions
Pediatric
Administer as in adults
Documented hypersensitivity
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Precautions
Not for treatment of systemic fungal infections; avoid contact with eyes; if irritation or sensitivity develops, discontinue use and institute appropriate therapy
Clotrimazole 1% cream (Lotrimin, Mycelex)
Second-line agent in treatment of cutaneous candidiasis.
Adult
Apply to affected area bid until 48 h after resolution of lesions
Pediatric
Administer as in adults
Documented hypersensitivity
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Precautions
Not for treatment of systemic fungal infections; avoid contact with eyes; if irritation or sensitivity develops, discontinue use and institute appropriate therapy
Miconazole 2% cream (Absorbine, Micatin)
Alternate topical antifungal. Lotion is preferred in intertriginous areas. If cream is used, apply sparingly to avoid maceration effects.
Adult
Apply to affected areas bid until 48 h after resolution of lesions
Pediatric
Administer as in adults
Documented hypersensitivity
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
If sensitivity or chemical irritation occurs, discontinue use; use only externally; avoid contact with eyes
Systemic antifungals (oral)
These agents are used for treatment of cutaneous infections refractory to treatment by topical agents or as adjunctive therapy for systemic candidal infection.
Fluconazole oral (Diflucan)
Synthetic oral antifungal (broad-spectrum bistriazole) that selectively inhibits fungal CYP450 and sterol C-14 alpha-demethylation, which prevents conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol, thereby disrupting cellular membranes.
Adult
Vulvovaginitis: 150 mg PO once
Oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis: 200 mg PO on day 1, followed by 100 mg once daily
Pediatric
Oropharyngeal candidiasis: 6 mg/kg PO on day 1, followed by 3 mg/kg/d
Some older children may have clearances similar to that of adults; absolute doses not to exceed 600 mg/d
Systemic candidal infections: 6-12 mg/kg/d
Inhibits CYP2C19 and 3A4; levels may increase with hydrochlorothiazide; levels may decrease with chronic coadministration of rifampin; coadministration may decrease phenytoin clearance; may increase concentrations of theophylline, tolbutamide, glyburide, and glipizide; effects of anticoagulants may increase with coadministration; increases in cyclosporine concentrations may occur when administered concurrently
Documented hypersensitivity
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Adjust dose for renal insufficiency; monitor closely if rashes develop and discontinue drug if lesions progress; may cause clinical hepatitis, cholestasis, and fulminant hepatic failure (including death) with underlying medical conditions (eg, AIDS, malignancy) and while taking multiple concomitant medications; not recommended for mothers who are breastfeeding
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Effective PO systemic antifungal. Fungistatic activity. Synthetic triazole antifungal agent that slows fungal cell growth by inhibiting CYP450-dependent synthesis of ergosterol, a vital component of fungal cell membranes.
Oral candidiasis: 100 mg PO once daily for 15 d Vulvovaginitis: 200 mg PO bid for 1-3 d
Pediatric
3-5 mg/kg/d PO divided qd/bid
Potent inhibitor of CYP3A4; antacids may reduce absorption of itraconazole; edema may occur with coadministration of calcium channel blockers (eg, amlodipine, nifedipine); hypoglycemia may occur with sulfonylureas; may increase tacrolimus and cyclosporine plasma concentrations when high doses are used; rhabdomyolysis may occur with coadministration of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (lovastatin or simvastatin); coadministration with cisapride can cause cardiac rhythm abnormalities and death; may increase digoxin levels; coadministration may increase plasma levels of midazolam, alprazolam, or triazolam; phenytoin and rifampin may reduce itraconazole levels (phenytoin metabolism may be altered)
Documented hypersensitivity; coadministration with cisapride may cause adverse cardiovascular effects (possibly death); coadministration with alprazolam and triazolam
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
May cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypokalemia, and elevated transaminases; hepatic metabolism; does not penetrate CSF well
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Well absorbed PO. Administer with food to reduce nausea and vomiting. Imidazole broad-spectrum antifungal agent. Inhibits synthesis of ergosterol, causing cellular components to leak, resulting in fungal cell death.
Adult
Superficial candidal infection (PO, vaginal, esophageal): 200 mg PO once daily for 1-2 wk
Pediatric
<2 years: Not established
≥ 2 years: 3.3-6.6 mg/kg/d PO once daily
Potent inhibitor of CYP3A4; isoniazid may decrease bioavailability; coadministration decreases effects of either rifampin or ketoconazole; may increase effect of anticoagulants; may increase toxicity of corticosteroids and cyclosporine (cyclosporine dosage can be adjusted); may decrease theophylline levels
Documented hypersensitivity; fungal meningitis
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Hepatotoxicity may occur; may reversibly decrease corticosteroid serum levels (adverse effects avoided with dose of 200-400 mg/d); administer antacid, anticholinergics, or H2 blockers at least 2 h after taking
Flucytosine (Ancobon)
Also known as 5-FC. Converted to fluorouracil after penetrating fungal cells. Inhibits RNA and protein synthesis. Active against Candida and Cryptococcus species and generally used in combination with amphotericin B.
50-150 mg/kg/d PO divided q6h
Pediatric
Neonates: 80-160 mg/kg/d PO divided q6h
Children: 50-150 mg/kg/d PO divided q6h
Amphotericin B may increase toxicity of flucytosine; cytosine may inactivate flucytosine
Documented hypersensitivity
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Monitor CBC count, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, AST, and ALT; may cause anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia; therapeutic levels 25-100 mg/L; adjust dose in renal failure
Posaconazole (Noxafil)
Triazole antifungal agent. Blocks ergosterol synthesis by inhibiting the enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase and sterol precursor accumulation. This action results in cell membrane disruption. Available as oral susp (200 mg/5 mL). Indicated for prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in patients at high risk due to severe immunosuppression.
Adult
200 mg (5 mL) PO tid with food or liquid nutritional supplement to enhance absorption
Pediatric
<13 years: Not established
≥ 13 years: Administer as in adults
Metabolized via UDP glucuronidation; P-gp efflux substrate; CYP3A4 inhibitor
UDP-G inducers (eg, rifabutin, phenytoin) and drugs that increase gastric pH (eg, cimetidine) decrease serum levels (avoid concomitant use unless benefit outweighs risk)
Inhibits CYP3A4 and may elevate serum levels of cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus, rifabutin, midazolam, phenytoin, calcium channel blockers (eg, nifedipine, bepridil), HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (eg, lovastatin, pravastatin), ergot alkaloids, terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, halofantrine, quinidine, or vinca alkaloids (eg, vincristine, vinblastine)
Documented hypersensitivity; coadministration with ergot alkaloids; coadministration with CYP3A4 substrates likely to result in serious toxicities (eg, terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, halofantrine, quinidine)
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, hypokalemia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated liver enzyme levels; closely monitor patients with severe diarrhea or vomiting for breakthrough fungal infections; rare adverse events include arrhythmias caused by QTc prolongation, bilirubinemia, or liver function impairment; caution with preexisting cardiac risk factors (eg, history of arrhythmia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia); food improves absorption and provides optimal serum concentration; shake well before use; administer with measuring spoon provided in package; avoid if breastfeeding
Voriconazole oral (Vfend)
Used for primary treatment of invasive aspergillosis and salvage treatment of Fusarium species or Scedosporium apiospermum infections. A triazole antifungal agent that inhibits fungal CYP450-mediated 14 alpha-lanosterol demethylation, which is essential in fungal ergosterol biosynthesis.
Adult
<40 kg: 100 mg PO q12h, may increase to 150 mg q12h if inadequate response
≥ 40 kg: 200 mg PO q12h, may increase to 300 mg q12h if inadequate response
Pediatric
Not established; limited data suggest initial maintenance dose of 3-5 mg/kg/dose PO q12h for children <25 kg
CYP450 2C19 (highest affinity), 2C9, and 3A4 (minor) substrate and inhibitor; CYP450 inducers (eg, rifampin) have shown to decrease steady state peak plasma levels by up to 93%; may increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP450 2C19 or 2C9, of which some are contraindicated (eg, sirolimus, pimozide, quinidine, cisapride, ergot alkaloids), other may need more frequent monitoring (eg, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, warfarin, HMG CoA inhibitors, benzodiazepines, calcium channel blockers)
Pregnancy
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Decrease maintenance dose with hepatic dysfunction; common adverse effects include visual disturbances, fever, rash, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, headache, sepsis, peripheral edema, abdominal pain, rash (including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and phototoxicity), and respiratory disorder; rare cases of severe hepatotoxicity have been reported; administer PO 1 h ac or pc
Systemic antifungals (intravenous)
The mechanism of action may involve an alteration of RNA and DNA metabolism or an intracellular accumulation of peroxide that is toxic to the fungal cell.
Fluconazole IV (Diflucan)
Second-line agent for treatment of systemic candidal infection.
Adult
400 mg IV as loading dose followed by 200 mg IV once daily
Pediatric
Neonates: 6-12 mg/kg IV as loading dose followed by 3-6 mg/kg/d once daily
Children: 10 mg/kg IV loading dose followed by 3-6 mg/kg/d once daily
Documented hypersensitivity
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Adjust dose for renal insufficiency; monitor closely if rashes develop and discontinue drug if lesions progress; may cause clinical hepatitis, cholestasis, and fulminant hepatic failure (including death) with underlying medical conditions (eg, AIDS, malignancy) and while taking multiple concomitant medications; not recommended for mothers who are breastfeeding
Amphotericin B, liposome (AmBisome)
Amphotericin B in a 10% lipid emulsion appears to have less nephrotoxicity than standard preparation of amphotericin. Lipid emulsion does not appear to decrease antifungal properties of amphotericin B.
Adult
5 mg/kg IV as single infusion administered no faster than 2.5 mg/kg/h
Pediatric
Administer as in adults
Antineoplastic agents or other nephrotoxic drugs (eg, aminoglycosides, cyclosporine) may enhance potential of amphotericin B for renal toxicity, bronchospasm, and hypotension; corticosteroids, digitalis, and thiazides may potentiate hypokalemia
Documented hypersensitivity
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Precautions
Although less nephrotoxic than standard amphotericin preparations, use caution in patients with decreased renal function; monitor BUN and creatinine levels; LFT, electrolytes, and CBC count; may require premedication with antihistamines, corticosteroids or analgesics to decrease risk of headache, chills, fever, or rigors
Amphotericin B desoxycholate (Amphocin, Fungizone)
DOC for treatment of systemic fungal infections. Polyene antibiotic produced by strain of Streptomyces nodosus; can be fungistatic or fungicidal. Binds to sterols (eg, ergosterol) in fungal cell membrane, causing intracellular components to leak with subsequent fungal cell death.
Premedication with acetaminophen may help reduce rigors, chills, and fever associated with infusion. Hydrocortisone directly added to infusate also may reduce febrile reactions.
Adult
Test dose: 1 mg IV administered over 30 min
Initial dose: 0.25-0.5 mg/kg/d IV qd/qod administered over 2-6 h
Increment: Increase as tolerated by 0.25-0.5 mg/kg/d
Maintenance: 0.25-1 mg/kg/d or 1-1.5 mg/kg qod
Pediatric
Test dose: 0.1 mg/kg IV, not to exceed 1 mg; administer over 20-60 min
Initial dose: 0.25-0.5 mg/kg/d IV qd/qod administered over 2-6 h
Increment: Increase as tolerated by 0.25-0.5 mg/kg/d
Maintenance: 0.25-1 mg/kg/d or 1-1.5 mg/kg qod
Antineoplastic agents or other nephrotoxic drugs (eg, aminoglycosides, cyclosporine) may enhance potential of amphotericin B for renal toxicity, bronchospasm, and hypotension; corticosteroids, digitalis, and thiazides may potentiate hypokalemia
Documented hypersensitivity
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Precautions
Monitor renal function, serum electrolytes (eg, magnesium, potassium), LFT, CBC count, and hemoglobin concentrations; resume therapy at lowest level (eg, 0.25 mg/kg) when therapy is interrupted for >7 d; hypoxemia, acute dyspnea, and interstitial infiltrates may occur in patients who are neutropenic and who are receiving leukocyte transfusions (separate time of amphotericin infusion from time of leukocyte transfusion); fever and chills are common after first few administrations, premedication with antihistamines, corticosteroids, and analgesics may diminish reaction; rare acute reactions may include hypotension, bronchospasm, arrhythmias, and shock
Caspofungin (Cancidas)
First of a new class of antifungal drugs (glucan synthesis inhibitors). Inhibits synthesis of beta-(1,3)-D-glucan, an essential component of fungal cell wall.
Adult
50 mg IV qd
Pediatric
<3 months: Not established
3 months to 17 years:
Loading dose: 70 mg/m2 IV infused over 1 h on day 1
Maintenance: 50 mg/m2/d IV infused over 1 h
≥ 18 years: Administer as in adults
Coadministration with cyclosporine may increase risk of hepatotoxicity; carbamazepine, nelfinavir, efavirenz, or dexamethasone may decrease levels of caspofungin; caspofungin may decrease levels of tacrolimus; rifampin decreases caspofungin levels by 30% (ie, adjust dose to 70 mg/d)
Documented hypersensitivity
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Caution in moderate hepatic dysfunction (ie, decrease dose to 35 mg/d); may exacerbate pre-existing renal dysfunction or myelosuppression
Voriconazole IV (Vfend)
Used for primary treatment of invasive aspergillosis and salvage treatment of Fusarium species or Scedosporium apiospermum infections. A triazole antifungal agent that inhibits fungal CYP450-mediated 14 alpha-lanosterol demethylation, which is essential in fungal ergosterol biosynthesis. May be used as combination therapy in Candidemia
Adult
Loading dose: 6 mg/kg IV q12h infused over 2 h for 2 doses
Maintenance: 4 mg/kg IV q12h infused over 2 h, when able to tolerate, may switch to PO; if inadequate response, may increase to 300 mg q12h
Pediatric
Not established; in 2 reviews, the dosing recommended for invasive fungal disease was 6 mg/kg IV q12h for 2 doses, then 4 mg/kg IV q12h
Doses up to 8 mg/kg have also been used