The U.S. FDA-approved Voriconazole for treating certain fungal infections received FDA approval on May 30, 2002. Voriconazole is an antifungal drug known as a fungal ergosterol synthesis inhibitor in the medication class.

Voriconazole treats invasive aspergillosis, candidemia in non-neutropenic patients, esophageal candidiasis, fungal infections (caused by Scedosporium apiospermum, fusarium spp., and Fusarium solani), candida infections, fungal infections in high-risk bone marrow transplant patients. 

Tablet

Take the Voriconazole as your physician advises. Usually, the tablets will be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

Injection

The medicine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is usually administered in muscle or vein (intravenous). Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.

The most common side effects of Voriconazole are fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,  swelling of the extremities, itchiness and rashes, sinusitis, pain in the stomach and back,  blood in urine, seizures, low BP, hair loss, low levels of glucose, sodium, potassium, WBC, platelet, neutrophil counts in the blood. Serious side effects while taking Voriconazole are rash, visual disturbances, liver problems, arrhythmias and QT prolongation,  jaundice (changes in blood tests of liver function), and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Voriconazole or other medical ingredients. Before taking Voriconazole, it is important to notify your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to other azoles, suffer from or have a history of liver disease, or have cardiomyopathy, irregular heartbeat, slow heart rate, or an abnormality of the electrocardiogram (ECG) called 'long QTc syndrome'. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid sunlight and sun exposure during treatment, protecting the skin with clothing and high-SPF sunscreen. Some common side effects include fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, swelling of the extremities, stomach pain, and breathing difficulties.

While on Voriconazole, promptly inform your doctor if you experience a sunburn, severe skin rash or blisters, bone pain, signs of adrenal insufficiency (chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, appetite loss, weight loss, abdominal pain), or signs of Cushing's syndrome (weight gain, fatty hump, rounded face, darkened skin, thinning skin, easy bruising, high blood sugar, excessive hair growth, excessive sweating). Inform your doctor if you have a known intolerance to certain sugars before taking Voriconazole because this medicine contains lactose. Children should also follow these precautions.

Liver and heart patients should take Voriconazole cautiously and inform their doctor about all the underlying medical conditions. Do not stop the medicine until your doctor advises. Do not double-dose the medicine to make up for a forgotten dose. 

Unless your doctor advises, do not consume this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding while taking Voriconazole. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Your medical professional will inform you if you need any dose adjustments. Contact your doctor for more information.

1. Pfizer, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jul 2021] [Accessed on 02nd June 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7976.pdf
2. D.H. Dockrell, S. Sundar, B.J. Angus, R.P. Hobson, Infectious disease, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 293-386.
3. Istituto Biochimico Italiano G. Lorenzini S.p.A., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on March 2022] [Accessed on 02nd June 2023] pil.11014.pdf (medicines.org.uk)
4. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (UK) Ltd.,  Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on July 2022] [Accessed on  02nd June 2023] PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER (medicines.org.uk)

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.