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Voriconazole - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Voriconazole

Generic Name : Voriconazole
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Voriconazole are provided here.

Pronunciation : VOR-i-KON-a-zole

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Voriconazole, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


ICD Code : Y40.7 Therapeutic Classification : Antifungals

Trade Names/Brand Names of Voriconazole

India :

International :


Vfend

Why is Voriconazole Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is an azole antifungal agent, prescribed for various fungal infections. It works by slowing the growth of the fungi that cause infection.

When should Voriconazole not be taken? (Contraindications)

Hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Voriconazole?

Adult: PO- The recommended dose for patients with greater than 40 kg body weight is 400 mg 12 hourly for the 1st 24 hours. Maintenance: 200 mg 12 hourly, upto 300 mg 12 hourly if needed.
The recommended dose for patients with less than 40 kg body weight is 200 mg 12 hourly for the 1st 24 hours. Maintenance: 100 mg 12 hourly, upto 150 mg 12 hourly if needed.
IV- Loading dose: 6 mg/kg 12 hourly for the 1st 24 hours. Maintenance: 4 mg/kg 12 hourly.

How should Voriconazole be taken?

It comes as a tablet to take by mouth 1 hour before food.

What are the warnings and precautions for Voriconazole?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of heart problems, abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), low level of blood minerals, liver, kidney, pancreas, or blood disease, who have taken chemotherapy treatment, any allergy, who are taking other medications, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• It may cause blurred vision or sensitivity to light, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

• Avoid exposure to sunlight.

What are the side effects of Voriconazole?

Most Common - Visual disturbances, fever, nausea, rash, vomiting, chills, headache, abnormal liver function, fast heart rate and hallucinations.
Body as a Whole - Abdominal pain, flu-like syndrome and weakness.
Heart - Chest pain, vein inflammation, low blood pressure and facial swelling.
Gastrointestinal - Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, difficulty in swallowing, indigestion, dry mouth, reflex and flatulence.
Liver - Jaundice and liver inflammation.
Blood - Blood dyscrasias, bruising and swelling in the extremities.
Central Nervous System - Dizziness, hallucinations, confusion, depression, anxiety, tremor, agitation and tingling.
Respiratory - Respiratory distress syndrome, sinus inflammation, nose bleed and difficulty in breathing.
Skin - Rash, itching, sensitivity to light, hair loss and skin inflammation.
Genitourinary - Kidney failure, blood in urine, impotence, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary tract infection and vaginal bleeding.
Local - Injection site reactions such pain, swelling, redness etc.
Musculoskeletal - Joint pain/inflammation, bone damage, bone pain, leg cramps and muscle pain/weakness.

What are the other precautions for Voriconazole?

Avoid excess dosage.

What are the storage conditions for Voriconazole?

Store it at controlled room temperature (15° - 30°C), and away from children.
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