Voriconazole

voriconazole (VOR-ih-KAH-nuh-zole)A drug that treats infections caused by fungi.

Information about Voriconazole

Voriconazole is a triazole antifungal agent used primarily in the treatment or prevention of aspergillosis and candidal infections.

Liver safety of Voriconazole

Voriconazole therapy is associated with transient, asymptomatic serum aminotransferase elevations and is a known cause of clinically apparent acute drug induced liver injury.

Mechanism of action of Voriconazole

Voriconazole (vor" i kon' a zole) is a synthetic triazole and a derivative of fluconazole, which is believed to act through inhibition of the fungal 14a-ergosterol demethylase that is responsible for converting lanosterol to ergosterol, which blocks cell membrane synthesis.

Voriconazole has a broad spectrum of activity particularly against candida and aspergillus.

FDA approval information for Voriconazole

Voriconazole was approved for use in the United States in 2002. Current indications include treatment of invasive aspergillosis, esophageal candidiasis and serious candidal infections. It is also used as empiric antifungal therapy in patients with neutropenia and persistent fever as well as preventive antifungal therapy in high risk individuals.

Dosage and administration for Voriconazole

Voriconazole is available as tablets of 50 and 200 mg, in an oral suspension (40 mg/mL) and in a parenteral formulation generically and under the brand name Vfend.

Side effects of Voriconazole

Serious fungal infections are typically treated initially with intravenous voriconazole (4 to 6 mg/kg every 12 hours) for 3 to 10 days, followed by more prolonged therapy with oral forms (20 mg every 12 hours). Common side effects include nausea, photosensitivity, hallucinations, headache, visual disturbances and rash.

• Dailymed label info on Voriconazole
• FDA Voriconazole

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