Micafungin
Micafungin (pronounced: my-ca-fun-gin) is an antifungal medication used to treat and prevent fungal infections. It is a member of the echinocandin class of antifungal drugs and works by inhibiting the synthesis of beta-1,3-glucan, an essential component of fungal cell walls.
Etymology
The name "Micafungin" is derived from the generic name "Mica" and "fungin", indicating its antifungal properties.
Usage
Micafungin is used to treat a variety of fungal infections, particularly those caused by the Candida species. It is also used as a prophylactic in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to prevent fungal infections.
Mechanism of Action
Micafungin works by inhibiting the enzyme 1,3-beta-D-glucan synthase, thereby preventing the synthesis of beta-1,3-glucan, a crucial component of the fungal cell wall. This leads to osmotic instability and ultimately the death of the fungus.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Micafungin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and fever. In rare cases, it can cause serious side effects such as anaphylaxis, hepatotoxicity, and hemolysis.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Micafungin
- Wikipedia's article - Micafungin
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski