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Voriconazole

Antifungal

Brand names:

Vfend®

Often used for:

Fungal infections

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About Voriconazole

Voriconazole is an antifungal medication. This medicine is used to treat or prevent fungal infections including aspergillosis and candidiasis.

Patients may differ in how slowly or quickly their body breaks down voriconazole due to the function of a certain enzyme called cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19). A genetic test may be performed to see how a patient’s enzymes function to see if the dose of medicine should be adjusted.

Patients receiving voriconazole may have regular blood draws to check voriconazole and electrolyte levels in the blood and monitor liver and kidney function. Patients taking this medicine for more than 28 days should also have tests to monitor vision and eye function.

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May be taken as a tablet by mouth

 
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May be taken as a liquid by mouth

 
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May be given as a liquid 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)
  • Rash, itching
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Swelling of the hands or feet
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Hallucinations
  • Fever, chills
  • Increased heart rate
  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Sun sensitivity
  • Decreased liver function (temporary)
  • Decreased kidney function
  • Decreased platelet levels
  • Decreased magnesium or potassium levels in the blood

Not all patients who take voriconazole 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.

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Tips for Families

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

  • Food may affect how voriconazole works. When taken by mouth, this medicine should not be taken within one hour before or after a meal.
  • Patients should protect their skin from the sun while taking this medicine.
  • Sunglasses may help with sensitivity to light.
  • Sexually active patients should take steps to prevent pregnancy during treatment.
  • Patients should tell their doctor if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Voriconazole 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.

Voriconazole at home:

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Take on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or after a meal.
  • For liquid voriconazole, shake well, 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 voriconazole at room temperature.
  • Do not use the medicine past the expiration date.
  • Follow instructions for safe storage and disposal.