Micafungin is an antifungal drug to treat Candida yeast infections . This drug can treat candidiasis that occurs in the esophagus, stomach, or blood . Micafungin can only be given by a doctor through an IV.
Micafungin belongs to the echinocandin class of antifungal drugs. This drug works by inhibiting the formation of proteins in the fungal cell wall. That way, the fungal cell wall will be damaged and eventually the fungus dies.
In addition to treating Candida fungal infections ( candidiasis ), micafungin can also be used to prevent candida infections. This treatment is usually given to patients with low neutrophil levels ( neutropenia ) after undergoing a blood stem cell transplant .
Trademarks of micafungin: Mycamine and Micacura
What is Micafungin
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Antifungal echinocandin class |
| Benefit | Treating infections caused by Candida yeast |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Micafungin for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Studies in animals have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there have been 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 micafungin is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without your doctor's approval. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Warning Before Using Micafungin
The following are things you need to pay attention to before undergoing treatment with micafungin:
- Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Micafungin should not be used in people who are allergic to this drug or other echinocandin class antifungal drugs, such as anidulafungin or caspofungin.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, or a blood disorder, such as hemolytic anemia .
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products, in anticipation of drug interactions.
- Tell your doctor that you are using micafungin before having surgery or any medical procedure.
- Immediately consult a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction or serious side effects after using micafungin.
Dosage and Rules for Using Micafungin
Micafungin is given by infusion by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor. The doctor will give the dose and determine the duration of treatment according to the patient's condition. Here is the explanation:
Condition: Invasive candidiasis, candidiasis peritonitis (abdominal cavity)
- Adult: 100 mg once daily by infusion over 1 hour. Treatment duration is at least 14 days. Dosage may be increased to 200 mg once daily if desired therapeutic results have not been achieved.
- Children aged <16 years , body weight (BB) ≤40 kg: 2 mg/kg, once a day by infusion for 1 hour. The minimum duration of treatment is 14 days. The dose can be increased to 4 mg/kg, once a day, if the expected therapeutic results have not been achieved.
Giving micafungin needs to be continued for 1 week after the complaint has disappeared and the yeast detection test in the blood shows 2 negative results.
Condition: Esophageal candidiasis
- Adults and children aged > 16 years with weight > 40 kg : 150 mg, once a day by infusion for 1 hour
- Children aged ≥16 years , body weight (BB) ≤40 kg: 3 mg/kg, once a day by infusion for 1 hour.
Treatment for esophageal candidiasis with micafungin is continued for up to 1 week after complaints have improved.
Condition: Prevention of Candida infection after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
- Adults and children aged > 16 years with weight > 40 kg : 50 mg, once a day by infusion for 1 hour
- Children aged <16 years BW ≤40 kg: 1 mg/kg BW, once a day by infusion for 1 hour.
Administration of micafungin was carried out for up to 1 week after the neutrophil levels returned to normal.
How to Use Micafungin Properly
Micafungin is given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. Follow the doctor's instructions and adhere to the prescribed drug administration schedule.
If your doctor gives you micafungin to use independently at home, do not use this medicine until you really understand how to use the drug and handle needles afterwards.
Do not stop treatment without your doctor's approval even if your symptoms have improved. Treatment that is stopped too early can lead to a recurrence of the infection. In addition, do the tests recommended by the doctor, especially liver function tests, so that your condition is always monitored.
Micafungin Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are interaction effects that can occur if micafungin is used with other drugs:
- Decreased effectiveness of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii
- Increased risk of side effects from axitinib, nifedipine , sirolimus, itraconazole , ribociclib, or amphotericin B
Micafungin Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can occur after using micafungin, including:
- Pain and redness at the infusion area
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hard to sleep
- Hot flashes , which are heat and redness around the neck and face
- Mild itching
Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside or get worse. Immediately go to the doctor if a drug allergic reaction appears which can be marked by the appearance of an itchy skin rash, swelling of the eyelids and lips, or difficulty breathing.
In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience the following serious side effects
- Impaired liver function, which may be indicated by dark urine, abdominal pain , or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes ( jaundice )
- Impaired kidney function, which can be characterized by the amount of urine that comes out less or no urine comes out at all
- Symptoms of infection, such as fever and chills
- Bruising or bleeding of unknown cause
- Mood and mental changes, such as anxiety or confusion
- Fast or irregular heartbeat ( arrhythmia )
- Stools are black and thick like asphalt