Voriconazole

This page provides detailed information about the medication voriconazole, covering its indications, dosage and administration, mechanism of action, related brands with strengths, warnings, and common side effects.

Context and Approval Date

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved voriconazole on May 30, 2002, for the treatment of specific fungal infections. Voriconazole belongs to the class of antifungal medications called fungal ergosterol synthesis inhibitors.

Mechanism of Action of Voriconazole

Voriconazole functions by preventing fungi from producing cytochrome enzymes, which are crucial for the synthesis of ergosterol. The mechanism of action involves the complete absence of ergosterol in the fungal cell wall, contributing to voriconazole's antifungal activity.

All Substitute

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Product Packaging Size Company Price
Vorizol 200mg tablet 5 x 4 Tablets Natco Pharma INR 1360
Vortero 300mg tablet 1 x 4 Tablets Hetero Helathcare INR 950
Vorier 200mg tablet 1 x 4 Tablets Zydus Cadila INR 800
Voritrol 200mg tablet 1 x 4 Tablets Lupin Ltd INR 1950
Voritek 200mg tablet 1 x 4 Tablets Cipla Ltd INR 390

Uses of Voriconazole

Doctors use voriconazole to treat invasive aspergillosis, candidemia in non-neutropenic patients, esophageal candidiasis, fungal infections (from Scedosporium apiospermum, Fusarium spp., and Fusarium solani), candida infections, and high-risk fungal infections in bone marrow transplant patients.

Information about voriconazole

We use voriconazole to treat severe fungal infections.>

How voriconazole works

Voriconazole functions as an antifungal medication, effectively halting the growth of fungi by disrupting their cell membrane, ultimately addressing your skin infection.

Common side effects of voriconazole

Decreased potassium level in the blood, Increased liver enzymes, Skin rash, High blood pressure, Increased potassium level in the blood, Gastrointestinal disturbance, Visual disturbance, Nosebleeds.
1. Your doctor has prescribed voriconazole to cure your infection and improve your symptoms.
2. Do not skip any doses, and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
3. You should take it an hour before or after a meal.
4. Do not take indigestion remedies (antacids) within two hours of taking Voriconazole.
5. Your doctor may check your liver function before starting treatment and on a regular basis thereafter. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain.
6. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Dosage and administration of Voriconazole

Tablet

Follow your physician's instructions for taking voriconazole. You can typically consume tablets with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or open the medication. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage and duration based on factors such as age, body weight, and the condition under treatment. Only discontinue tablet intake if advised by your doctor.

Injection

A healthcare professional will administer the medicine to you in a hospital setting, typically through a muscle or vein (intravenous) injection. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other relevant factors.

Warning, Precautions, and Side Effects Associated with Voriconazole

Warning

If you are allergic to voriconazole or other medical ingredients, avoid taking this medication. Before using Voriconazole treatment, inform your doctor if you have experienced allergic reactions to other azoles, have a history of liver disease, or suffer from conditions such as cardiomyopathy, an irregular heartbeat, a slow heart rate, or 'long QTc syndrome', an abnormality detected on an electrocardiogram (ECG). It is crucial to avoid sunlight and sun exposure during treatment, protecting the skin with appropriate 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 sunburn, severe skin rash or blisters, bone pain, signs of adrenal insufficiency (such as chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, appetite loss, weight loss, and abdominal pain), or signs of Cushing's syndrome (including weight gain, fatty hump, rounded face, darkened skin, thinning skin, easy bruising, high blood sugar, excessive hair growth, and excessive sweating). It's important to inform your doctor if you have a known intolerance to certain sugars before taking Voriconazole, as this medication contains lactose. Children should also adhere to these precautions.

Side effects

The most common side effects of voriconazole are fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the extremities, itchiness and rashes, sinusitis, pain in the stomach and back, blood in urine, seizures, low BP, hair loss, low levels of glucose, sodium, potassium, WBC, platelet, and neutrophil counts in the blood. Serious side effects while taking Voriconazole are rash, visual disturbances, liver problems, arrhythmias and QT prolongation, jaundice (changes in blood tests of liver function), and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).

Word of Advice

Patients with liver and heart conditions should use Voriconazole with caution and disclose all underlying medical conditions to their doctor. Do not discontinue the medication unless instructed by your doctor, and do not double the dose to compensate for a missed dose.

Unless specifically advised by your doctor, avoid using this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding while taking voriconazole. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any severe side effects. Your healthcare provider will advise you regarding any necessary dose adjustments. For further information, consult your doctor.

FAQ - Voriconazole

1What is the mechanism of action of voriconazole?
Voriconazole works by inhibiting the production of ergosterol, which disrupts fungal cell membranes, ultimately causing cell death. This mechanism eliminates the infection and alleviates symptoms.
2Is it safe to use Voriconazole during pregnancy?
Consult your medical professional regarding the use of voriconazole during pregnancy.You should carefully assess the potential benefits and risks. Your doctor will suggest taking this medicine only if it's necessary.
3How long does voriconazole take to work?
Voriconazole's effectiveness varies among individuals and depends on the specific fungal infection under treatment. While some people may experience symptom improvement within a few days, others may require several weeks to see noticeable results. Discuss this with your doctor for more information.
4What steps should be taken if a dose of voriconazole is missed?
If you miss a dose of the capsule, take it as soon as possible. However, if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Avoid doubling the dose of voriconazole.
5What are the adverse effects of voriconazole?
Some common side effects of Voriconazole are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the extremities, itchiness and rashes, sinusitis, pain in the stomach and back, blood in urine, seizures, and hair loss.

References

1. Istituto Biochimico Italiano G. Lorenzini S.p.A., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on March 2022] [Accessed on 02nd June 2023] pil.11014.pdf (medicines.org.uk).
2. Pfizer, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jul 2021] [Accessed on 02nd June 2023],https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7976.pdf.
3. D.H. Dockrell, S. Sundar, B.J. Angus, R.P. Hobson, Infectious disease, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 293-386.
4. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (UK) Ltd., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on July 2022] [Accessed on 02nd June 2023]PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER (medicines.org.uk).