Voriconazole Tablets

Description

Generic Name: Voriconazole
Brand Name: Vfend
Important Warning
Voriconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat serious fungal infections such as invasive aspergillosis and candidemia. It should only be used under the supervision of a doctor experienced in managing fungal infections. Voriconazole can cause serious side effects, including liver damage, vision problems, and skin reactions. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience unusual symptoms while taking this medication.

Uses for Voriconazole Tablets
Voriconazole is prescribed for the treatment of:

Invasive aspergillosis: A serious infection caused by the Aspergillus fungus.
Candidemia: A bloodstream infection caused by Candida species.
Serious fungal infections: Including infections caused by Scedosporium and Fusarium species in patients intolerant to or unresponsive to other antifungal therapies.
Before Using Voriconazole
Allergies
Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to voriconazole or any other medications. Mention any allergic reactions to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Pediatric and Geriatric Use
Pediatric: Safety and efficacy have not been established for children under 2 years of age.
Geriatric: Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, particularly vision problems or liver issues.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Voriconazole is classified as pregnancy category D. It may harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding: It is unknown if voriconazole passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before use.
Interactions
Medications
Voriconazole interacts with many drugs. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

Carbamazepine or rifampin: May reduce voriconazole effectiveness.
Phenytoin or warfarin: May require dose adjustments due to interaction.
Statins (cholesterol-lowering medications): May increase risk of side effects.
St. John’s Wort: May reduce the effectiveness of voriconazole.
Food, Alcohol, and Tobacco
Voriconazole is best taken on an empty stomach. Avoid alcohol, as it may increase liver-related side effects.

Proper Use of Voriconazole Tablets
Dosing Instructions
Take voriconazole exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water, at least 1 hour before or after meals.
Dosage
The dosage of voriconazole depends on the condition being treated:

For Adults:
Initial Dose (Loading): 400 mg every 12 hours for the first 24 hours.
Maintenance Dose: 200 mg every 12 hours.
For Children (2-12 years):
Dose based on body weight and determined by a doctor.
For Adolescents (12-14 years):
Weight under 50 kg: Pediatric dose.
Weight 50 kg or more: Adult dose.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double doses.

Storage
Store voriconazole tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep out of reach of children.

Precautions While Using Voriconazole
Liver Monitoring: Regular blood tests may be needed to check liver function. Notify your doctor if you experience symptoms of liver damage (e.g., yellowing of the skin/eyes, dark urine, or severe stomach pain).
Vision Changes: Voriconazole may cause blurry vision, sensitivity to light, or other visual disturbances. Use caution when driving or operating machinery.
Sun Sensitivity: Voriconazole may increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
QT Prolongation: This medication may affect your heart rhythm. Notify your doctor of any heart-related symptoms, such as chest pain or fainting.
Side Effects of Voriconazole Tablets
Serious Side Effects (Seek Immediate Medical Attention)
Severe skin reactions, such as rash, peeling, or blistering.
Liver damage, indicated by dark urine, persistent nausea, or yellowing of the skin/eyes.
Vision changes, including blurry vision or sensitivity to light.
Unusual bruising or bleeding.
Common Side Effects
Nausea or vomiting.
Headache.
Diarrhea.
Rash or itching.
Visual disturbances (e.g., blurred vision, color changes).
Rare Side Effects
Hallucinations.
Irregular heartbeat.
Swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles.
Emergency Situations and Overdose
Overdose symptoms may include severe vision changes, confusion, or irregular heartbeat. Seek immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or experience any side effects while taking voriconazole.

Patient Information.

Full Prescribing Information.