Practical information on using echinocandins
The echinocandins anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin are active against Candida species1, and are used for treatment of severe candidal infection.
Echinocandins are generally well tolerated and have similar safety and efficacy profilesKeighley, 2021. Anidulafungin is not hepatically metabolised and may be preferred in patients with severe hepatic impairment, although micafungin and caspofungin may also be consideredChen, 2011.
1 Candida may be used as a descriptive term as well as a genus name. Some yeast that were previously considered Candida species have been reclassified and are now considered candida-like and may be reported with a new name (eg Nakaseomyces glabratus, Pichia kudriavzevii)Borman, 2021. For a list of commonly encountered Candida and related species and, if applicable, revised species names, see Common Candida and related species, and changes to nomenclature.Return