Home Drug Guide Candicidin

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Candicidin

Brand Names Vanobid

Classification

Therapeutic: Antifungal

Pharmacological: Polyene macrolide antifungal

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treating fungal infections caused by susceptible organisms, especially systemic Candida infections

Mechanism of Action

Bind to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, forming pores that increase membrane permeability, leading to leakage of cell contents and cell death.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Dosage varies based on infection severity and site; typically administered intravenously with dosage adjustments as per clinical guidelines.

Pediatric: Dose determined by weight and severity, under specialist guidance.

Geriatric: Careful dose adjustment may be necessary considering renal and hepatic function.

Renal Impairment: Adjust dose based on severity of impairment.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; monitor hepatic function.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Poor oral absorption; administered IV

Distribution: Widely distributed in tissues, including skin and mucous membranes

Metabolism: Minimal hepatic metabolism, mostly unchanged in urine

Excretion: Excreted primarily via bile and urine

Half Life: Approximately 48 hours

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to candicidin or other polyenes.

Precautions

  • Use cautiously in patients with renal or hepatic impairment; monitor renal and hepatic functions regularly.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Nausea (Common)
  • Vomiting (Common)
  • Fever (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Nephrotoxicity (Rare but serious)
  • Electrolyte disturbances (hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia) (Serious if prolonged or severe)
  • Hepatotoxicity (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Other nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides, amphotericin B)

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor renal and hepatic function before and during therapy. Assess for signs of allergic reactions.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for renal impairment
  • Risk for electrolyte imbalance

Implementation: Administer IV as prescribed; monitor infusion site for phlebitis or infiltration; maintain hydration; monitor labs regularly.

Evaluation: Evaluate clinical response and adverse effects periodically.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Report symptoms of allergic reactions, kidney issues, or electrolyte disturbances.
  • Keep all follow-up appointments for lab testing.
  • Inform them about signs of adverse reactions such as fever, chills, or unusual bleeding.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Potential for severe renal toxicity; caution advised.

Genetic Factors: Sensitivity may vary depending on genetic factors affecting drug metabolism.

Lab Test Interference: May interfere with certain laboratory tests, including those assessing kidney function.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, hypotension, renal failure signs.

Treatment: Supportive care; dialysis if necessary; monitor renal function and electrolytes; no specific antidote.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at controlled room temperature, away from moisture and light.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions for the duration of the shelf life.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.