Cancidas
Cancidas contains caspofungin acetate, an echinocandin antifungal agent. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of beta (1,3)-D-glucan, an essential component of the cell wall of susceptible fungi like Candida and Aspergillus, leading to osmotic instability and cell death.
Dosage by Body Weight
Administered once daily by slow intravenous infusion over approximately 1 hour. In adults, therapy typically begins with a single 70-mg loading dose on Day 1, followed by 50 mg daily. In pediatric patients (12 months to 17 years of age), dosing must be calculated based on Body Surface Area (BSA) using the Mosteller formula: Loading dose of 70 mg/m² on Day 1, followed by 50 mg/m² daily (up to a maximum daily dose of 70 mg).
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy in infants under 3 months of age have not been adequately established. Dose must be determined by a specialist based on clinical need and BSA calculation.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Requires BSA calculation
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Dosing for pediatric patients must be calculated based on Body Surface Area (BSA). Loading dose of 70 mg/m² on Day 1, followed by 50 mg/m² daily thereafter.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Requires BSA calculation
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Dosing for pediatric patients must be calculated based on Body Surface Area (BSA). Loading dose of 70 mg/m² on Day 1, followed by 50 mg/m² daily thereafter.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Requires BSA calculation
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Dosing for pediatric patients must be calculated based on Body Surface Area (BSA). Loading dose of 70 mg/m² on Day 1, followed by 50 mg/m² daily thereafter.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Requires BSA calculation
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Dosing for pediatric patients must be calculated based on Body Surface Area (BSA). Loading dose of 70 mg/m² on Day 1, followed by 50 mg/m² daily thereafter.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy in infants under 3 months of age have not been adequately established. Dose must be determined by a specialist based on clinical need and BSA calculation. |
| 5-7 kg | Requires BSA calculation | Once daily | Dosing for pediatric patients must be calculated based on Body Surface Area (BSA). Loading dose of 70 mg/m² on Day 1, followed by 50 mg/m² daily thereafter. |
| 8-10 kg | Requires BSA calculation | Once daily | Dosing for pediatric patients must be calculated based on Body Surface Area (BSA). Loading dose of 70 mg/m² on Day 1, followed by 50 mg/m² daily thereafter. |
| 11-15 kg | Requires BSA calculation | Once daily | Dosing for pediatric patients must be calculated based on Body Surface Area (BSA). Loading dose of 70 mg/m² on Day 1, followed by 50 mg/m² daily thereafter. |
| 16-20 kg | Requires BSA calculation | Once daily | Dosing for pediatric patients must be calculated based on Body Surface Area (BSA). Loading dose of 70 mg/m² on Day 1, followed by 50 mg/m² daily thereafter. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of invasive candidiasis, esophageal candidiasis, invasive aspergillosis in patients refractory to or intolerant of other therapies, and empirical therapy for presumed fungal infections in febrile, neutropenic patients.
Generic Name
CaspofunginScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.