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Russell E. Lewis, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Department of Clinical Sciences and Administration
University of Houston College of Pharmacy
Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine
Division of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas
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John D. Cleary, PharmD, FCCP
Professor & Vice-Chairman of Research
Department of Pharmacy Practice
Schools of Pharmacy & Medicine
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Anti-mycotic Program Director
Mycotic Research Center
Department of Medicine; Division of Infectious Diseases
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Jackson, Mississippi
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Cynthia R Hennen, BS, RPh
Assistant Director of Clinical Pharmacy Practice
Department of Pharmacy
Froedtert Hospital and Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Please contact the provider direct with any questions or comments for this program at www.pimed.com
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Invasive fungal infections continue to pose a clinical challenge particularly in immunocompromised patients such as transplant recipients, those receiving immunosuppressive therapies, as well as those with HIV/AIDS and malignancies. There has been a trend toward a higher incidence of bloodstream fungal infections with a broader diversity of pathogens leading to increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in hospitalized patients. The identification of risk factors for fungal infections, knowledge of endemic and population trends in fungal pathogen characteristics, and the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters of available antifungal agents should facilitate clinical decisions regarding diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
Toxicity, emergence of resistance, unfavorable pharmacokinetics, and drug-drug interactions have been common problems with many of the traditional therapeutic agents. In response, a new class of antifungal agents, the echinocandins, have been developed in the new millennium and currently there are three available for use. With their limited toxicity profile and minimal drug-drug interactions, echinocandins offer a new option for the treatment of invasive fungal infections. However, effective use of these new agents depends on an understanding of their unique pharmacology and spectrum, safety, and potential for drug-drug interactions.
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This activity is intended to meet the educational needs of pharmacists and other multidisciplinary healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with invasive fungal infections.
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- Identify the changing trends in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of invasive fungal infections in the healthcare setting
- Review the role of pharmacotherapy in the changing epidemiology of fungal infections
- Explain current antifungal treatment options for first-line therapy of invasive fungal infections
- Describe the safety and efficacy of echinocandins
- Compare the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences among echinocandins
- Review the pharmacoeconomic implications of the differences among echinocandins
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Release date: November 3, 2008
Expiration date: November 30, 2009
Estimated time to complete activity: 2 hours
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