Andulfa
Andulfa Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Andulfa is a brand name. Its generic name is Anidulafungin.
Andulfa Introduction
Andulfa is an antifungal medication used to treat certain types of fungal infections, such as esophageal candidiasis (EC) (a fungal infection of the esophagus), candidemia (when the bloodstream is infected with Candida yeast), and other serious fungal infections of the body. It is a semisynthetic echinocandin, derived from a fermentation product of Glarea lozoyensis. Andulfa is sold under the brand name Eraxis and is available in powder and intravenous forms.
Uses for Andulfa
Andulfa is used to treat certain fungal infections, including:
- Esophageal candidiasis (EC) (a fungal infection of the esophagus)
- Candidemia (when the bloodstream is infected with Candida yeast)
- Other serious fungal infections of the body
Mechanism of Action
Andulfa works by disrupting cell wall formation of the fungus, inhibiting the ability of the fungus to produce essential components necessary for its growth. This causes the fungus to die off, stopping the spread of the infection. Andulfa is considered non-cytotoxic, meaning it does not cause damage to human cells.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
It may take several days for symptoms to improve, however, some users have reported feeling relief within 24 hours. The length of time it takes for Andulfa to work may vary based on the type and severity of the infection.
Absorption
Andulfa is poorly absorbed when taken orally. Intravenous administration is the preferred route of administration.
Route of Elimination
Andulfa is eliminated primarily in the feces. It is also eliminated in small amounts in the urine.
Dosage
The recommended dose of Andulfa is 200 mg administered intravenously on the first day, followed by 100 mg administered intravenously once daily. The duration of treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection being treated.
Administration
Andulfa should be administered intravenously. It should not be administered orally as it is poorly absorbed.
Side Effects
The most common side effects associated with Andulfa include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Rash
Toxicity
The most significant toxicity associated with Andulfa is kidney failure. Other rare but serious side effects can include liver failure, convulsions, and coma.
Precaution
Before taking Andulfa, tell your healthcare provider if you have any allergies, including to other antifungal medications, such as caspofungin or micafungin. Also, tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any other medications, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, or vitamins. Talk to your healthcare provider about any other medical conditions you have before taking Andulfa.
Interaction
Andulfa may interact with a variety of medications. Therefore, it is important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking. Some of the drug interactions with Andulfa include:
- Other antifungal medications
- Beta blockers
- Oral corticosteroids
- Cyclosporine
Disease Interaction
Andulfa may interact with certain diseases, such as kidney problems, liver problems, or other serious infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these conditions or if you have had them in the past.
Drug Interaction
Andulfa may interact with other drugs, including certain antibiotics, antipsychotics, beta blockers, and oral corticosteroids. It is important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking. Some drug interactions with Andulfa can be serious and may require dose adjustment or discontinuation of the medication.
Food Interactions
Andulfa is not known to interact with any food or beverages. However, it is always best to talk to your healthcare provider about any dietary restrictions while taking Andulfa.
Pregnancy Use
Andulfa should not be used during pregnancy. There is limited data available on the safety of Andulfa for pregnant woman and no well-controlled studies have been done in pregnant women.
Lactation Use
It is not known whether Andulfa is secreted in human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, Andulfa should not be used in nursing mothers unless the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Acute Overdose
If an overdose of Andulfa occurs, promptly seek medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Contraindication
Andulfa should not be used in patients who are hypersensitive to it or any of its components. It should also not be used in patients with known or suspected heart valve infection (endocarditis).
Dosage Directions
The recommended dose of Andulfa is 200 mg administered intravenously on the first day, followed by 100 mg administered intravenously once daily. The duration of treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection being treated.
Storage Condition
Andulfa should be stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution for Andulfa is 3.3 L.
Half Life
The half-life of Andulfa is approximately 52 hours.
Clearance
The clearance of Andulfa is approximately 64 mL/min.
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