Anidulafungin - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Anidulafungin is a drug to treat diseases caused by fungal infections. This medicine can be used to treat yeast infections in the blood, stomach, or esophagus.

Anidulafungin belongs to the echinocandin class of antifungal drugs. This drug works by interfering with the formation of components of the fungal cell wall, so that fungal growth can stop. Anidulafungin is available in injectable form and must be used as prescribed by a doctor.

Anidulafungin trademarks: Ecalta

What is Anidulafungin

groupPrescription drugs
Categoryantifungal
BenefitTreats fungal infections.
Used byMature
Anidulafungin for pregnant and lactating womenCategory C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

It is not known whether anidulafungin is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor.

Drug formInject

 Precautions Before Using Anidulafungin

Anidulafungin should not be used carelessly. Before using anidulafungin, you need to pay attention to the following points:

  • Do not use anidulafungin if you are allergic to this medication or to other echinocandin antifungal drugs, such as caspofungin or micafungin.
  • Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease or congenital fructose intolerance.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking anidulafungin before having surgery, including dental surgery.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
  • See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after using anidulafungin.

Dosage and Rules for Use of Anidulafungin

Anidulafungin injection will be given by injection through a vein (intravenous / IV) by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The dose of anidulafungin can be different for each patient. The following are common doses of anidulafungin:

  • Condition: Esophageal candidiasis

    The dose is 100 mg, once daily on the first day, then 50 mg thereafter. The duration of treatment is up to 14 days and at least 7 days after symptoms disappear.

  • Condition: Invasive candidiasis, candidaemia, candida infection

    The dose is 200 mg, once daily on the first day, then 100 mg thereafter. The duration of treatment is up to 14 days.

How to Use Anidulafungin Correctly

Anidulafungin will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The drug will be injected once a day into a vein. This drug can be given for 45 minutes to 3 hours.

Follow the medication schedule given by the doctor. Do not stop treatment without consulting your doctor first. Stopping the medication too early can lead to a recurrence of the infection.

Store anidulafungin in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Anidulafungin Interactions with Other Drugs

Anidulafungin can cause drug interactions when used with other medicines. The exact interaction effect of the use of anidafulgin with other drugs is not known. Therefore, always tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including ciclosporin, voriconazole, tacrolimus, amphotericin B, or rifampin.

Side Effects and Dangers of Anidulafungin

Some of the side effects that can occur after using anidulafungin are:

  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Nauseous
  • Throw up
  • Hard to sleep

Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside immediately or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

  • Swelling in the ankles or hands
  • Mood swings
  • Muscle cramp
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dark urine
  • Fever
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)