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Posaconazole

Antifungal

Brand names:

Noxafil®

Other names:

Posanol®, Sandoz Posaconazole®

Often used for:

Fungal infections

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What is posaconazole?

Posaconazole (Noxafil®) 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 neutropenia or who take medicines that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants).

Patients who get posaconazole may have regular blood draws to check posaconazole levels in the blood and monitor liver and kidney function. The dose of medicine may change based on lab tests.

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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 as a liquid into a vein by IV

 
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Possible side effects

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Liver problems
  • Mouth sores
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal (belly) pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue, weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Fever, chills
  • Increased sweating
  • Cough
  • Joint, muscle, or back pain
  • Swelling of the hands, legs, or feet
  • Rash, itching
  • Problems sleeping
  • Fast heart rate or change in heart rhythm
  • Low 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. Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patient and families

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

  • Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how to give this medicine in relation to food.  
  • 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. 
  • Do not switch forms of the medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so.
  • Finish all doses of the medicine as instructed by a doctor or pharmacist. 
  • Certain medicines can interact with posaconazole or change the levels of the medicine in the blood. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements your child takes.
  • It is important that patients tell the care team if they are sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding. 
  • Sexually active patients should take steps to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after treatment is complete. 

Posaconazole at home:

  • Tablets by mouth: Take tablets with or without food. Swallow tablets whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew tablet before swallowing.
  • Liquid by mouth: Follow directions for how to take the liquid medicine. If instructed, take the oral suspension with food, preferably with a high fat meal or liquid nutrition supplement. If this is not possible, take posaconazole liquid with an acidic carbonated drink such as ginger ale. Shake the medicine well before use. Use the measuring device that comes with the medicine.
  • Give a missed dose as soon as possible. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Do not use the medicine past the expiration date.
  • Follow instructions for safe handling, storage, and disposal.

Learn more about posaconazole

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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.