Voriconazole
Aspergillosis, Candidiasis ... show more
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
YES
Known Teratogen
Possible
Pharmaceutical Class
Azole Antifungal
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Voriconazole
Summary
Voriconazole is used to treat serious fungal infections such as invasive aspergillosis (a lung infection), esophageal candidiasis (a yeast infection of the food pipe), and candidemia (a yeast infection in the bloodstream).
Voriconazole works by slowing down the growth of fungi, which are tiny organisms like yeast and mold. By inhibiting the growth of these fungi, it helps to treat serious infections.
Voriconazole can be taken as a pill or a liquid medicine. It's usually taken twice a day, every 12 hours, on an empty stomach. This means you should take it at least one hour before or two hours after eating.
Common side effects of voriconazole include blurry vision, fever, nausea, rash, vomiting, and chills. Less common but reported side effects include headaches, elevated liver enzymes, fast heart rate, and hallucinations. Serious side effects can include liver damage, serious heart problems, and allergic reactions.
Individuals with known hypersensitivity to voriconazole or other triazole antifungals should avoid this medication. Caution is also advised in patients with a history of liver disease or those taking medications that may interact adversely with voriconazole.
Indications and Purpose
How does one know if Voriconazole is working?
Voriconazole's effectiveness against a bloodstream yeast infection (candidemia) was compared to a standard treatment (amphotericin B followed by fluconazole). Success was defined as symptom improvement, no yeast in blood tests, and no need for other antifungal medicines. After 12 weeks, both voriconazole and the standard treatment had similar success rates: around 41%. However, if looking at success at any time during the study, the standard treatment (65%) showed slightly better results than voriconazole (71%). Important note: These are just the results from one study. Doctors monitor liver and kidney function while patients are taking voriconazole, as it can affect these organs. This information shouldn't be used for self-treating. Always consult a doctor for medical advice.
How does Voriconazole work?
Voriconazole is a medicine that fights fungal infections. Fungi are tiny organisms like yeast and mold. Voriconazole works by slowing down the growth of these fungi. It's used to treat serious infections such as invasive aspergillosis (a lung infection), esophageal candidiasis (a yeast infection of the food pipe), and candidemia (a yeast infection in the bloodstream). You can take voriconazole as a pill or a liquid medicine. It's usually taken twice a day, every 12 hours, on an empty stomach. This means you should take it at least one hour before or two hours after eating. Remember, this information is for general understanding only, and you should always follow your doctor's instructions for taking this medication.
Is Voriconazole effective?
Evidence supporting the effectiveness of voriconazole includes clinical trials showing its efficacy in reducing mortality rates associated with invasive fungal infections compared to other antifungal agents. Studies have demonstrated that voriconazole significantly improves clinical outcomes in patients with invasive aspergillosis and other serious fungal infections when used appropriately. Regular follow-up appointments and laboratory tests are necessary to assess treatment effectiveness and make any needed adjustments.
What is Voriconazole?
Voriconazole is a medicine used to fight serious fungal infections in adults and children (age 2 and up). Fungal infections are illnesses caused by fungi, tiny organisms like mold and yeast. Voriconazole slows the growth of these fungi. The infections it treats include invasive aspergillosis (a lung infection), esophageal candidiasis (a yeast infection of the esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth and stomach), and candidemia (a yeast infection in the bloodstream).
What is Voriconazole used for?
Voriconazole is a medicine used to fight serious fungal infections in adults. Fungal infections are caused by fungi, tiny organisms like mushrooms and yeasts. Voriconazole treats infections in the blood and body, such as: * **Aspergillosis:** An infection caused by *Aspergillus* fungus, often affecting the lungs. * **Esophageal candidiasis:** A yeast infection of the esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach). * **Candidemia:** A yeast infection in the bloodstream, caused by *Candida* fungus. Voriconazole is *not* safe or effective for children under the age of 2. It's important to only take this medicine as prescribed by a doctor.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Voriconazole?
The duration of voriconazole treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the infection as well as the patient's response to therapy. For invasive aspergillosis and serious fungal infections, intravenous therapy should continue for at least 7 days, transitioning to oral therapy once clinically stable. Treatment for candidemia and esophageal candidiasis typically lasts a minimum of 14 days following symptom resolution or until cultures are negative. Continuous monitoring and follow-up are essential during treatment.
How do I take Voriconazole?
Voriconazole should be taken twice a day, every 12 hours. It's best to take it on an empty stomach, waiting at least an hour before or after eating. The tablets contain lactose (a type of sugar found in milk), and the liquid form contains sucrose (regular table sugar). If you have trouble digesting dairy products or sugars (like lactose intolerance or diabetes), tell your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you decide if voriconazole is the right medicine for you, or if you need a different way to take it.
How long does it take for Voriconazole to start working?
The length of voriconazole treatment varies depending on your health, the type of infection, and how well you respond to the medicine. Even if you feel better, continue taking voriconazole as prescribed by your doctor. Never stop taking it suddenly without first talking to your doctor. This is important because stopping too early could allow the infection to return or worsen. Voriconazole is an antifungal medication, meaning it fights fungal infections (infections caused by fungi, a type of microorganism). Your doctor will determine the appropriate treatment duration based on your individual needs.
How should I store Voriconazole?
Voriconazole oral suspension should be stored at room temperature (between 59°F and 86°F or 15°C and 30°C). Don't put it in the refrigerator or freezer. Keep the bottle tightly closed in its original container, away from kids. Use it within 14 days of mixing it. Throw away any leftover medicine after 14 days or the expiration date, whichever comes first.
What is the usual dose of Voriconazole?
This information describes how much of the medication amoxicillin to take. **Adults (over 40 kg):** The usual dose is 200 mg twice a day (every 12 hours). This can be increased to 300 mg twice a day if needed. **Adults (under 40 kg):** The usual dose is 100 mg twice a day. This can be increased to 150 mg twice a day if needed. (kg = kilograms, a unit of weight). **Children (2-14 years, under 50 kg):** The first day, they get a larger starting dose (loading dose) given intravenously (directly into a vein): 9 mg per kilogram of body weight twice a day. After the first day, the dose is 8 mg/kg twice a day intravenously, or 9 mg/kg twice a day by mouth (orally), but not more than 350 mg twice a day. **Important:** This is just general information. Always follow your doctor's instructions for the correct dose of amoxicillin. They will consider your weight and overall health.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Voriconazole with other prescription drugs?
When it comes to prescription drug interactions, voriconazole can have significant interactions with medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin), rifampin (Rifadin), certain statins (like simvastatin), and some anticoagulants (such as warfarin). These interactions can lead to altered drug levels and increased risk of side effects; therefore, it’s essential for patients to discuss all current medications with their healthcare provider before starting voriconazole.
Can I take Voriconazole with vitamins or supplements?
Voriconazole may interact with various vitamins and supplements; however, specific interactions are not well-documented. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all supplements they are taking to avoid potential interactions that could affect treatment efficacy or safety.
Can Voriconazole be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Because there's no information on how voriconazole affects breastfeeding, we can't say for sure if it's safe. Breastfeeding offers many benefits for both mother and baby, like immune system support and easier digestion for the baby. However, we don't know if voriconazole passes into breast milk, or if it would harm the baby if it did. We also don't know if it affects milk production. Since there's a lack of data, a doctor needs to carefully weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against the potential unknown risks of voriconazole exposure for the baby. A decision should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the mother's health needs and the baby's well-being. More research is needed to understand the safety of voriconazole during breastfeeding.
Can Voriconazole be taken safely while pregnant?
Voriconazole use during pregnancy may harm the developing baby. We don't have enough information from human pregnancies to know for sure. Women who can get pregnant should use reliable birth control while taking voriconazole. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor immediately about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Voriconazole?
Drinking alcohol while taking voriconazole can increase the risk of liver toxicity and enhance certain side effects like dizziness or drowsiness; therefore, it’s advisable for patients undergoing treatment for fungal infections to limit alcohol consumption during this time period significantly for optimal recovery outcomes without complications arising from concurrent use.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Voriconazole?
Voriconazole does not inherently limit the ability to exercise; however, some side effects may impact physical activity. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, and visual disturbances, which could hinder coordination and balance during exercise. Patients should listen to their bodies and avoid strenuous activities if they experience significant side effects. Consulting with a healthcare provider about any concerns related to exercise while on voriconazole is advisable to ensure safety and appropriate activity levels.
Is Voriconazole safe for the elderly?
Elderly patients may require careful monitoring when taking voriconazole due to potential age-related changes in metabolism and increased sensitivity to side effects. Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on individual health status and response to treatment; therefore, close communication with healthcare providers is essential for this population.
Who should avoid taking Voriconazole?
Individuals with known hypersensitivity to voriconazole or other triazole antifungals should avoid this medication due to the risk of severe allergic reactions. Additionally, caution is advised in patients with a history of liver disease or those taking medications that may interact adversely with voriconazole's metabolism (such as certain anticonvulsants). Patients should inform their healthcare provider about their complete medical history before starting treatment.
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