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Posaconazole

Antifungal

Brand names:

Noxafil®

Often used for:

Fungal infections

What is Posaconazole?

Posaconazole is an antifungal medication. This medicine is used to treat or prevent fungal infections including aspergillosis and candidiasis. Posaconazole may be used to prevent infection in patients with graft versus host disease (GVHD) or neutropenia.

Patients receiving posaconazole may have regular blood draws to check posaconazole levels in the blood and monitor liver and kidney function (when given by IV).

May be taken as a tablet by mouth

May be taken as a liquid by mouth

May be given as a liquid into a vein by IV

Possible Side Effects

Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Liver problems
Mouth sores
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Fatigue, weakness
Joint, muscle, or back pain
Dizziness
Headache
Fever, chills
Increased sweating

Cough
Problems sleeping
Swelling of the hands, legs, or feet
Rash, itching
Increased heart rate or change in heart rhythm
Decreased magnesium or potassium levels in the blood
Changes in blood pressure
Kidney problems

Not all patients who take posaconazole will experience these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Tips for Families

Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.

Posaconazole should be taken within 20-30 minutes of food or an acidic beverage, especially when taken as an oral liquid.
If you will have a blood level checked for posaconazole, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how to take this medicine in relation to the blood draw.
Do not switch forms of the medicine unless prescribed by a doctor.
Posaconazole may affect blood sugar levels. Patients should tell a doctor if they have or ever had diabetes.
Sexually active patients should take steps to prevent pregnancy during treatment.
Patients should tell their doctor if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Posaconazole may affect the way other medicines work. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about all medications.
Finish all doses of the medicine as instructed by a doctor or pharmacist.

Posaconazole at home:

Tablets: Posaconazole tablets should be taken with food. Swallow tablets whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew tablets.
Liquid: Posaconazole as an oral liquid should be taken with a high fat meal or liquid nutrition supplement. If this is not possible, take with an acidic carbonated drink such as ginger ale. Shake the medicine well before use. Measure carefully, and use the measuring device that comes with the medicine.
Give a missed dose as soon as possible. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.
Store posaconazole at room temperature.
Do not use the medicine past the expiration date.
Follow instructions for safe storage and disposal.

Posaconazole resources

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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the-counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.