Description

Voriconazole is a triazole antifungal medication used to treat serious fungal infections. Voriconazole binds and inhibits ergosterol synthesis by inhibiting CYP450-dependent 14-alpha sterol demethylase. The inhibition of 14-alpha sterol demethylase results in a depletion of ergosterol in fungal cell membrane.

Voriconazole is an azole antifungal medicine. It is indicated for use in patients 12 years of age and older in the treatment of following fungal infections- Invasive aspergillosis Candidemia (nonneutropenic) and disseminated candidiasis in skin, abdomen, kidney, bladder wall and wounds Esophageal candidiasis Serious infections caused by Scedosporium apiospermum and Fusarium Species including Fusarium solani Patients intolerant of, or refractory to other therapy.

CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 inhibitors and inducers: Adjust Voriconazole dosage and monitor for adverse reactions or lack of efficacy Voriconazole may increase the concentrations and activity of drugs that are CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 substrates. Reduce doses of these other drugs and monitor for adverse reactions Increase maintenance oral and intravenous dosage of Voriconazole with co-administration of Phenytoin or Efavirenz

Known hypersensitivity to Voriconazole or any other components of this drug- Co-administration with terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide or quinidine, sirolimus due to risk of serious adverse reactions Co-administration with rifampin, carbamazepine, long-acting barbiturates, efavirenz, ritonavir, rifabutin, ergot alkaloids and St. John's Wort due to risk of loss of efficacy

The most common side effects are abdominal pain, anemia, blurred vision, headache, chest pain, nausea and diarrhea.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant woman. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Long term exposure (treatment or prophylaxis) greater than 180 days requires careful assessment of the benefit-risk balance. Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (SCC) has been reported in relation with long-term voriconazole treatment.

The efficacy to the children under 12 years of age is not established.