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Voriconazole

Antifungal

Brand names:

Vfend®, Vfend IV®

Often used for:

Fungal infections

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What is voriconazole?

Voriconazole is an antifungal medicine. It is used to treat or prevent fungal infections including aspergillosis and candidiasis. Voriconazole may be used to prevent infection in patients with neutropenia or who take medicines that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants).

This medicine may be given in the clinic, hospital, or at home.

Some people’s bodies break down this medicine quickly. Others break it down more slowly. This is due to the function of a certain enzyme. Your care team may do a genetic test to see how your child’s enzymes function. This can help the care team decide if the dose of medicine should be adjusted.

Patients may have regular blood draws to check voriconazole levels in the blood and to monitor liver and kidney function. Additional tests may check calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels in the blood.

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May be given as a tablet by mouth

 
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May be given as a liquid by mouth

 
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May be given into a vein by IV or injection

 
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Possible side effects

  • Changes in vision, including blurry vision, problems seeing colors, and sensitivity to light
  • Skin rash (often resembling a sun burn, even if not exposed to the sun)
  • Sun sensitivity
  • Decreased liver function
  • Visual or auditory hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever, chills
  • Rash, itching
  • Diarrhea
  • Belly pain
  • Swelling of the hands or feet
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Increased heart rate
  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Decreased kidney function
  • Decreased platelet levels
  • Decreased magnesium or potassium levels in the blood

Not all patients who take voriconazole will have these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report all symptoms or side effects to your care provider or pharmacist. Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your care provider or pharmacist. 

  • Your care team will let you know when tests will be performed to measure posaconazole levels in the blood. On that day, your child should not take the medicine until after the blood sample is collected. 
  • Voriconazole may affect the way other medicines work. Talk to your care provider or pharmacist about all medications.
  • Food may affect how voriconazole works. When taken by mouth, this medicine should not be taken within 1 hour before or after a meal.
  • Make sure your child drinks plenty of liquids.
  • This medicine may affect alertness. Do not let your child do anything that could be dangerous until you see how this medicine affects them.
  • Protect skin from the sun while taking this medicine. Sunglasses may help with sensitivity to light.
  • This medicine may cause mouth sores. Good dental hygiene, a soft food diet, lip care, and ice therapy can help prevent and treat mouth sores. Your care team may prescribe a mouth rinse to keep the mouth clean and help with irritation.
  • This medicine may make your child dizzy or drowsy. Do not allow your child to do anything that could be dangerous until you see how this medicine affects them.
  • Sexually active patients should take steps to prevent pregnancy during treatment. It is important that patients tell the care team if they are sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • Finish all doses of the medicine as instructed by your care provider or pharmacist. Do not give more often or in greater amounts than recommended.

Voriconazole at home:

  • Tablets: Take on an empty stomach. Give 1 hour before or 1 hour after meals.
  • Liquid: Shake well. Use the measuring device that comes with the medicine. Do not mix with other liquids. Take on an empty stomach. Give 1 hour before or 1 hour after meals.
  • Give a missed dose as soon as possible. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.
  • Store voriconazole at room temperature.
  • Do not use the medicine past the expiration date.
  • Follow instructions for safe storage and disposal.

Learn more about voriconazole

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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.

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Reviewed: April 2024