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VORICONAZOLE

This page provides concise information regarding the medication voriconazole, including its indications, dosage and administration guidelines, mechanism of action, associated brands with their strengths, warnings, and prevalent side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Voriconazole, an antifungal medication categorized as a fungal ergosterol synthesis inhibitor, obtained approval from the U.S. FDA for the treatment of specific fungal infections on May 30, 2002.

Mechanism of Action of Voriconazole

Voriconazole functions by impeding the synthesis of cytochrome enzymes in fungi, crucial for the production of ergosterol. The inhibition of ergosterol in the fungal cell wall is thought to be the underlying mechanism responsible for Voriconazole’s antifungal activity.

AVAILABLE BRANDS

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Vfend 50MG Tab
PFIZER LTD ₹3578.01
Vorizol 50MG Tab
NATCO PHARMA LTD ₹0.00
Vfend 200MG Tab
PFIZER PRODUCTS LTD ₹0.00

Uses of Voriconazole

Voriconazole is effective in managing invasive aspergillosis, candidemia in non-neutropenic patients, esophageal candidiasis, fungal infections caused by Scedosporium apiospermum, fusarium spp., and Fusarium solani, as well as candida infections and fungal infections in high-risk bone marrow transplant patients.

Voriconazole Drug administaration and Dosage available

Tablet

Follow your doctor’s instructions when taking Voriconazole. Typically, the tablets can be taken with or without food. Avoid crushing, chewing, or opening the medication. The appropriate dosage and duration will be determined by your physician considering factors such as age, body weight, and the specific disease condition. Only discontinue the tablets if your doctor instructs you to do so.

Injection

A healthcare professional will administer the medication to you within a hospital setting, typically through intramuscular or intravenous routes. The dosage, administration method, and frequency will be determined by your doctor, taking into consideration your disease condition and other relevant factors.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of Voriconazole

Warnings

Refrain from taking this medication if you have allergies to Voriconazole or its components. Before initiating Voriconazole treatment, inform your doctor about any past allergic reactions to other azoles, a history or current presence of liver disease, as well as conditions such as cardiomyopathy, irregular heartbeat, slow heart rate, or ‘long QTc syndrome’ (an abnormality in the electrocardiogram). It is crucial to avoid exposure to sunlight and UV rays during the course of treatment, protecting your skin with clothing and high-SPF sunscreen. Common side effects may include fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, swelling of the extremities, stomach pain, and breathing difficulties.

Precautions

During Voriconazole treatment, immediately notify your doctor if you encounter symptoms such as sunburn, severe skin rash or blisters, bone pain, indications of adrenal insufficiency (persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain), or signs of Cushing’s syndrome (weight gain, fatty hump, rounded face, darkened skin, thinning skin, easy bruising, high blood sugar, excessive hair growth, and excessive sweating). If you have a known intolerance to specific sugars, inform your doctor before taking Voriconazole as it contains lactose. These precautions are applicable to children as well.

Side Effects

The most frequently observed side effects associated with Voriconazole include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the extremities, itchiness, rashes, sinusitis, stomach and back pain, blood in urine, seizures, low blood pressure, hair loss, reduced levels of glucose, sodium, potassium, white blood cells (WBC), platelets, and neutrophil counts in the blood. Serious side effects that may occur during Voriconazole usage encompass rash, visual disturbances, liver issues, arrhythmias, QT prolongation, jaundice (alterations in liver function blood tests), and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).

Word Of Advice

Individuals with liver and heart conditions should exercise caution when taking Voriconazole and disclose all underlying medical conditions to their doctor. Refrain from discontinuing the medication unless advised by your doctor, and avoid doubling the dose to compensate for a missed one. If pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use Voriconazole without your doctor’s guidance. Report any significant side effects to your doctor, and your healthcare provider will determine if any dose adjustments are necessary. For further information, contact your doctor.

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is different from medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.