An antifungal drip (echinocandin)
Anidulafungin
A hospital antifungal drip (echinocandin) for invasive candida, with few drug interactions.
What is Anidulafungin?
Anidulafungin is an antifungal given by a drip into a vein in hospital to treat serious invasive candida infections. It is an echinocandin, a group that works by damaging the wall around fungal cells, and it is generally well tolerated. A useful feature is that it has very few drug interactions and is broken down in the bloodstream rather than mainly by the liver or kidneys, which can make it a helpful choice for some patients. It is always given and monitored by specialists.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Anidulafungin — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Anidulafungin is an echinocandin antifungal used in hospital to treat serious candida infections, including candida in the bloodstream (invasive candidiasis). Like other echinocandins, it is given only as a drip into a vein because it is not absorbed when taken by mouth. It is used for deep, invasive infections rather than minor thrush or skin fungal problems, and it is always given under specialist supervision.
How it works
Anidulafungin blocks an enzyme the fungus needs to build its cell wall, the protective layer around each fungal cell. Without this wall the fungal cells cannot survive, so the infection is brought under control. Unlike many medicines, it is broken down chemically in the bloodstream rather than being heavily processed by the liver or removed by the kidneys, which is one reason it tends to have few drug interactions.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Pfizer.
An echinocandin antifungal given as a drip in hospital for serious invasive candida infections.
Practical use
How to take Anidulafungin
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given only as a slow drip into a vein in hospital by trained staff; it is not available as a tablet.
- The dose and length of treatment are decided and adjusted by the specialist team looking after you.
- Tell the staff if you notice flushing, a rash, itching or feel unwell while the drip is running.
- Blood tests, including liver tests, may be taken during treatment so the team can monitor how you are doing.
- Keep taking your other prescribed medicines as advised, as it is used alongside treatment of your main illness.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Anidulafungin
Advantages
- An effective treatment for serious invasive candida infections.
- Has very few drug interactions, which is helpful for people on many other medicines.
- Generally well tolerated and not heavily dependent on the liver or kidneys to clear it.
Disadvantages
- Can only be given as a drip in hospital.
- Can cause infusion-related reactions such as flushing, rash or itching.
- Liver blood tests may still need checking during treatment.
Practical use
Good to know
Anidulafungin is a specialist hospital medicine, so the care team manages the dose and timing. It is generally well tolerated, and a particular advantage is that it has very few drug interactions, which can make it convenient for people already on many medicines. Some people get reactions while the drip is running, such as flushing, rash or itching, which can often be eased by slowing the infusion. Liver tests may still be checked during treatment. It is given alongside treatment of the underlying illness, and the team decides how long it is needed based on how the infection responds.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had an allergic reaction to anidulafungin or other echinocandins should not be given it.
- It is used with care in people with liver problems, who are monitored during treatment.
- In pregnancy and breastfeeding it is used only if the specialist judges the benefit outweighs the risk.
Monitoring
- Watching for infusion reactions while the drip is running.
- Liver blood tests during treatment.
- Reviewing minerals such as potassium and how the infection is responding.
Side effects
- Flushing, rash or itching, sometimes during the infusion.
- Diarrhoea, nausea, headache or low potassium.
- Changes in liver blood tests, and rarely more serious allergic reactions.
Key interactions
- It has very few drug interactions because it is not heavily processed by the liver enzymes that many medicines use.
- The specialist team still reviews all your medicines before and during treatment.
- Other antifungals and overlapping treatments are taken into account by the team.
Available as: A drip (infusion) into a vein, given in hospital.
Answers
Anidulafungin: frequently asked questions
What is anidulafungin used for?
It treats serious invasive candida infections, including candida in the bloodstream; it is not used for minor thrush or skin fungal problems.
Why is it said to have few interactions?
It is broken down chemically in the bloodstream rather than relying on the liver enzymes many medicines use, so it tends to clash with other medicines less often.
Is it the same as caspofungin and micafungin?
All three are echinocandin antifungals that work in a similar way; the team chooses between them based on the infection, your other medicines and your organs.
Why can't I take it as a tablet?
It is not absorbed from the gut, so it has to be given as a drip into a vein, which is why it is only used in hospital.
What should I do if I react during the drip?
Tell the staff if you feel flushing, itching or a rash while the drip is running; they can often help by slowing it down and will keep a close eye on you.
The wider class
About Antifungal (echinocandin)
Anidulafungin belongs to the antifungal (echinocandin) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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