Drug Detail:Candida albicans skin test antigen (monograph) (Introduction)
Drug Class:
Usual Adult Dose for Diagnostic
0.1 mL intradermally
Comments:
- Do not use to diagnose or treat Type I allergy to Candida Albicans.
- The time required for induration response varies; the reaction usually begins within 24 hours and peaks between 24 and 48 hours.
- Read the skin test at 48 hours by visual inspection and palpitation of the induration.
- A positive reaction consists of an induration 5 mm or larger.
Use(s): Skin test antigen to assess cellular hypersensitivity to Candida Albicans
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Precautions
US BOXED WARNING(S):
- This drug is intended for use by physicians experienced in the intradermal administration of a skin test antigen.
- The expected response to this drug is a local area of inflammation at the skin test site.
- The size of reaction depends on the sensitivity of the person receiving the test, but is usually dime to quarter size, with the maximum size reached between 24 to 48 hours.
- Larger accelerated reactions can occur which may require treatment with local cold compresses and anti-inflammatory medication.
- Systemic reaction can occur with skin test antigens; in certain individuals these reactions may be life-threatening or fatal.
- Observe patients for at least 20 minutes following administration of the skin test.
- Emergency measures, as well as trained personnel, should be available immediately in the event of a life-threatening reaction.
- Never give this drug intravenously.
Serious adverse reactions should be reported to the manufacturer at (855) 855-1212 or the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at: https://vaers.hhs.gov
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- Never give this drug intravenously; take care not to inject into a blood vessel.
- This drug is intended for use by physicians experienced in the intradermal administration of a skin test antigen.
- Inject intradermally on the volar surface of the forearm or the outer aspect of the upper arm.
- Inject the antigen intradermally as superficially as possible, causing a distinct, sharply defined bleb at the skin test site.
- Subcutaneous injection may lead to an unreliable reaction.
- Use new syringes and needles for each patient; dispose of needles properly.
Storage requirements:
- Refrigerate; do not freeze.
Monitoring:
- Observe patients for at least 20 minutes following administration of the skin test.
- Emergency measures, as well as trained personnel, should be available immediately in the event of a life-threatening reaction.
Patient advice:
- Local reactions include redness, swelling, pruritus, excoriation, and discoloration of the skin; these usually subside hours or days after administering the test; skin discoloration lasts several weeks in some patients.
- The antigen reaction may progress to vesiculation, necrosis, or ulceration.
- There is a remote possibility of having a Type I anaphylactic reaction that may be life threatening.
- Report any serious adverse reactions to your healthcare provider.