Micafungin
Pronunciation: (my-kuh-FUN-jin).
- Generic name
- Micafungin
- Brand names
- Mycamine, Funguard
- Drug class
- Echinocandin antifungal
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Micafungin is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Micafungin works
Micafungin is an echinocandin antifungal that inhibits the synthesis of 1,3-β-D-glucan, an essential component of the fungal cell wall. This disruption leads to osmotic instability and cell lysis, resulting in fungicidal activity against most Candida species and fungistatic activity against Aspergillus species. (1)
What Micafungin is used for
Candidemia, acute disseminated candidiasis, Candida peritonitis and abscesses
Approved in adult and pediatric patients 4 months of age and older; in infants younger than 4 months, use is restricted to bloodstream Candida infection without meningoencephalitis or eye involvement. (2) (3)
Esophageal candidiasis
Approved in adult and pediatric patients 4 months of age and older. (2) (3)
Prophylaxis of Candida infections in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)
Approved in adult and pediatric patients 4 months of age and older. (2) (3)
Before taking Micafungin
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to micafungin or other echinocandins. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2) (3)How to take Micafungin
- General Instructions: Micafungin is administered as an intravenous infusion by a healthcare professional. Do not self-administer.. Adult Dosing: Typical adult doses range from 50 mg to 150 mg once daily, depending on the type and severity of infection.. Pediatric Dosing: Dosing in children is weight-based and determined by the healthcare provider. For example, 2-4 mg/kg once daily for certain indications.. Administration: Given as a slow intravenous infusion over approximately 1 hour.. When To Stop: Continue treatment for the full prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve. Do not stop early without consulting your doctor.. Storage: Store vials at room temperature. Prepared solutions should be used promptly or as directed by hospital protocol.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2) (3)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Do not double up or attempt to self-administer a missed dose.
Overdose
In case of suspected overdose, seek emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include severe allergic reactions, liver dysfunction, or worsening side effects. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment. (2) (3)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Vomiting
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Diarrhea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Fever
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Mild rash
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
Micafungin may cause liver problems — serious
Symptoms: Micafungin may cause liver problems; monitor for signs of liver dysfunction. Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur. Use with caution in patients with pre-existing liver disease. May interact with other medications metabolized by the liver. Not recommended for use during pregnancy unless clearly needed.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to micafungin or other echinocandins. Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, as micafungin may cause or worsen liver dysfunction. Monitor for signs of hypersensitivity and hepatic injury during therapy.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Micafungin has a low potential for drug interactions, but it may affect or be affected by drugs metabolized by the liver, such as sirolimus, nifedipine, or itraconazole. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Based on animal data, micafungin may cause fetal harm. It should only be used in pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or become pregnant during treatment, seek medical advice promptly. (2) (3)
Breastfeeding
Micafungin is highly protein-bound and has poor oral bioavailability, so it is unlikely to reach breast milk in clinically significant amounts or be absorbed by a nursing infant; it can also be given intravenously directly to infants under 4 months of age. Discuss your specific situation with your healthcare provider. (2) (3)
Children
Approved in pediatric patients 4 months of age and older for candidemia/disseminated candidiasis, esophageal candidiasis, and HSCT prophylaxis, using weight-based intravenous dosing (typically 1-2 mg/kg/dose once daily, depending on indication, not to exceed 100 mg/day in most regimens). In infants younger than 4 months, use is restricted to bloodstream Candida infection without meningoencephalitis or eye involvement, under specialist care. (2) (3)
Renal_impairment
Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, since micafungin may cause or worsen liver dysfunction; regular liver function monitoring is recommended. Specific dose-adjustment figures for renal or hepatic impairment were not established in the sources reviewed for this page; the treating clinician should individualise dosing and monitoring for anyone with significant renal or hepatic disease. (2) (3)
Hepatic_impairment
Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, since micafungin may cause or worsen liver dysfunction; regular liver function monitoring is recommended. Specific dose-adjustment figures for renal or hepatic impairment were not established in the sources reviewed for this page; the treating clinician should individualise dosing and monitoring for anyone with significant renal or hepatic disease. (2) (3)
Monitoring
(2) (3)Storage
Unopened vials are stored at room temperature (25C/77F; excursions permitted to 15-30C/59-86F) — refrigeration is not required. After reconstitution, protect from light; the reconstituted or diluted infusion solution may be stored for up to 24 hours at room temperature. This is administered by a healthcare professional, who is responsible for correct storage and preparation.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Candidemia, esophageal candidiasis, and Candida prophylaxis in HSCT (indication-specific dosing differs; consult full prescribing information)
Dose summary: The standard adult dosing for Micafungin is 100 mg administered intravenously once daily (dose varies by indication and severity, typically 50-150 mg/day).
Renal context: The FDA label for MYCAMINE/micafungin states no dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment; Cmax and AUC were not significantly altered by severe renal impairment. Micafungin is highly protein-bound, so supplementary dosing after hemodialysis is not required — it is not removed by dialysis. (1)
Frequently asked questions
What is micafungin used for?
Micafungin is used to treat serious fungal infections, including candidemia, esophageal candidiasis, and for prevention of Candida infections in certain high-risk patients.
How is micafungin administered?
Micafungin is given as an intravenous infusion by a healthcare professional, usually in a hospital or clinic.
What are the most common side effects?
Common side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and mild rash.
Can micafungin cause liver problems?
Yes, micafungin can cause liver enzyme elevations and, rarely, serious liver injury. Your doctor may monitor your liver function during treatment.
Is micafungin safe in pregnancy?
Micafungin should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Are there any important drug interactions?
Micafungin has a low risk of drug interactions, but it may affect levels of drugs like sirolimus, nifedipine, or itraconazole. Always inform your healthcare provider about all your medications.
What should I do if I have an allergic reaction?
Seek emergency medical help immediately if you develop symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or severe rash.
What happens if I take too much Micafungin?
If you suspect an overdose of Micafungin, it is crucial to seek emergency medical attention immediately. While specific overdose symptoms for Micafungin are not extensively documented, general signs of drug toxicity may include severe gastrointestinal upset, liver or kidney dysfunction, or unusual allergic reactions. Always follow your prescribed dosage carefully and contact a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Micafungin?
It is generally advisable to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Micafungin. Although direct interactions between Micafungin and alcohol are not well-established, alcohol can potentially exacerbate some common side effects of antifungal medications, such as nausea or liver enzyme elevations. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding alcohol use during your Micafungin treatment.
Is Micafungin safe during pregnancy?
Micafungin's pregnancy category is not definitively established as a 'safe' category. Animal studies have shown some adverse effects, but well-controlled studies in pregnant humans are lacking. Therefore, Micafungin should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is essential to consult your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
What is the mechanism of action of Micafungin?
Micafungin is an echinocandin antifungal that inhibits the synthesis of 1,3-β-D-glucan, an essential component of the fungal cell wall. This disruption leads to osmotic instability and cell lysis, resulting in fungicidal activity against most Candida species and fungistatic activity against Aspergillus species. (1)
What is the generic name of Micafungin?
The generic name is Micafungin. It is sold under brand names including Mycamine, Funguard.
What class of drug is Micafungin?
Micafungin is classed as: Echinocandin antifungal.
References
- Micafungin — MedGuideGlobal internal medicine recordMedGuideGlobal Clinician-Authored Medicine Record · Global · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- MYCAMINE (micafungin sodium) — prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- Micafungin — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 3
- Micafungin Uses, Side Effects & WarningsDrugs.com · Global · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 4
- MICAFUNGIN IN SODIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION [BAXTER HEALTHCARE CORPORATION] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Micafungin Injection — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
- Micafungin — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA219712)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 7
- Micafungin — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 325887)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 8
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Micafungin names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Mycamine10 mg/mL · astellas pharma us, inc.
Canada
- MYCAMINE