Administration and Dosing of Systemic Antifungal Agents in Pediatric Patients

Paediatr Drugs. 2020 Apr;22(2):165-188. doi: 10.1007/s40272-020-00379-2.

Abstract

Neonates and immunosuppressed/immunocompromised pediatric patients are at high risk of invasive fungal diseases. Appropriate antifungal selection and optimized dosing are imperative to the successful prevention and treatment of these life-threatening infections. Conventional amphotericin B was the mainstay of antifungal therapy for many decades, but dose-limiting nephrotoxicity and infusion-related adverse events impeded its use. Despite the development of several new antifungal classes and agents in the past 20 years, and their now routine use in at-risk pediatric populations, data to guide the optimal dosing of antifungals in children are limited. This paper reviews the spectra of activity for approved antifungal agents and summarizes the current literature specific to pediatric patients regarding pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data, dosing, and therapeutic drug monitoring.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / adverse effects
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents