Voriconazole: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Price, Composition & 20 FAQs

Voriconazole is a triazole antifungal agent. It is available in powder form for a solution for intravenous infusion, film-coated tablets for oral administration, and as a powder for oral suspension. It is used to treat severe fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.

Voriconazole Composition – Voriconazole 50 mg or 200 mg of voriconazole (Tablet form), 40 mg/mL voriconazole (Oral Suspension)
Manufactured by – Generic drug
Prescription– Prescription is required
Form – Tablets, solution for i.v. infusions and powder for oral suspensions
Type of Drug –Anti fungal

Voriconazole is indicated in the treatment of –

• Candida fungal infection in the blood
• Severe fungal infections in skin and infections in abdomen, kidney, bladder wall, and wounds
• Invasive aspergillosis (a severe type of fungal infection)

Also Read: Oleanz Uses

Voriconazole works by stopping ergosterol synthesis and thereby inhibiting the formation of the membrane in fungi. This results in growth inhibition of fungi.

• Voriconazole is available in the form of powder form for the solution for intravenous infusion, film-coated tablets for oral administration, and as a powder for oral suspension.
• Voriconazole tablets and oral suspensions are usually taken by mouth with a glass of water as directed by your doctor.
• Voriconazole tablets or oral suspensions are usually taken without food (at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after meals).
• Never crush or chew the Voriconazole tablets.
• Injections are always given by a trained healthcare professional.

• The drug dosage is decided by the physician based upon:
• Health status/medical condition of the patient
• Severity of symptoms
• Reaction to the first dose
• History of allergy/drug reactions
• The lowest dose of Voriconazole should be sought for each patient.
• The most common dose of Voriconazole is 2 tablets per day.

Q. What happens if I overdose on Voriconazole?

Voriconazole should not be administered in more than prescribed dose. Taking increased dose will not improve your symptoms earlier; rather it may cause some side effects. In case of overdosage, consult your doctor immediately.

Q. What happens if I miss a dose of Voriconazole?

The potency of the medicine may decrease because, for effective working of the drug, a certain amount of drug must be present in your body at all times. Always consume the missed dose as soon as you remember. But, if it’s already time for the next dose – do not double the dose.

Q. What happens if I administer expired Voriconazole?

The medicine may not work as well as the potency of the medicine gets affected. Please inform your physician regarding the same. To be on the safer side, always check and never use an expired medicine.

Q. What is the onset time of Voriconazole?

The onset time of Voriconazole depends upon the route of administration and the severity of the disease.

Q. Till when does the effect of Voriconazole stay?

The duration of time for which the medicine remains effective is not clinically established.

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Voriconazole should not be used in the following conditions:

• if you are allergic to Voriconazole or any other constituent present in Voriconazole
• if you are suffering from heart diseases
• Oral Suspension contains sucrose and is not recommended for patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, sucrase-isomaltase deficiency or glucose galactose malabsorption

Inform your doctor about all the current list of medicines, over the counter products, allergies and pre-existing health conditions before you start taking Voriconazole.

Know More: Vincomo Plus Precaution | Predmet Precaution

Majority of the patients do not show any side effects. Few patients might show side effects which include:

• Nausea / Vomiting (Common)
• Headache (Common)
• Blurred vision (Common)
• Pain in eyes (less Common)
• Photophobia – aversion to light (less Common)
• Irregular heartbeats (Rare)
• Fainting (less Common)
• Dizziness (Common)
• Stomach pain (Common)
• Yellowing of skin and eyes (less Common)
• Fever (less Common)
• Rashes (less Common)
• Diarrhea (less Common)
• Headache (Common)
• Swelling in arms and feet (Rare)
• Abnormal liver function tests (less Common)
• Respiratory distress (Rare)

Are There Any Reported Allergic Reactions to Voriconazole?

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Rash (common)
• Itching (common)
• Shortness of breath (less common)
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (rare)
• Loss of consciousness (rare)

What are the effects of Voriconazole on organs?

Voriconazole should be taken only after consultation with your doctor if you suffer from kidney disease. Suitable adjustment of dose and monitoring of kidney functions is mandatory in such cases.

Drug interaction refers to the effect of drugs on each other and on the human body after ingestion. Large numbers of medicines have shown to interact with each other. Interactions are not just limited to drugs, but certain food items and some laboratory tests which should not be taken right after consuming Voriconazole. We explore these in details below.

1. Food Interactions with Voriconazole

No interactions observed with any food products.

2. Medicines Interactions with Voriconazole

It is always advised that the patient must inform the physician about all the drugs/over the counter products/vitamin supplements used. It may interact with the following drugs and products:

• Alcohol
• Antihistamines
• Quinidine
• Cisapride
• Pimozide
• Eletriptan
• Dihydroergotamine, ergotamine
• Drugs to treat irregular heartbeat (such disopyramide, dronedarone, quinidine)
• Lovastatin, simvastatin
• Efavirenz
• Rifabutin, rifampin
• Carbamezipine
• St John’s wart

3. Effects of Voriconazole on Lab Tests

Laboratory evaluation of kidney (particularly serum creatinine) and liver function (particularly liver function tests and bilirubin) is necessary before starting Voriconazole therapy.

4. Interactions with Pre-existing Conditions/Diseases

Patients suffering from pre-existing kidney and liver diseases must consult their physician before consuming Voriconazole.

Q. Can I have Voriconazole with alcohol?

No.  Voriconazole may cause excessive drowsiness and calmness with alcohol.

Q. Any particular food item to be avoided?

No alteration in its action seen with any food product.

Q. Can I have Voriconazole when pregnant?

Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Voriconazole can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.

Q. Can I have Voriconazole when feeding a baby?

There is no evidence as to whether ingredients of Voriconazole are excreted in human breast milk or not thus it should be used with caution in lactating mothers.

Q. Can I drive after taking Voriconazole?

If one experiences side effects like drowsiness, headache or dizziness then it may not be advisable to drive a vehicle and operate heavy machinery while on this medication.

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The following brands are available for Voriconazole:

• Voritrol tablets
  • Manufactured by – Lupin Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 2308.4
• Vorier tablets
  • Manufactured by – Zydus Cadila
  • Price – Rs. 1096
• Vorizol tablets
  • Manufactured by – Natco Pharmo Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 2376
• Vosicaz tablets
  • Manufactured by – Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 2013
• Voraze tablets
  • Manufactured by – Sun Pharmaceuticals Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 2849
• Verz 200mg tablets
  • Manufactured by – Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 4272
• Voritek 200 tablets
  • Manufactured by – Cipla Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 3856.8
• Vfend tablets
  • Manufactured by – Pfizer Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 11486
• Voritrol injection
  • Manufactured by – Lupin Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 2034.71
• Vorizol injection
  • Manufactured by – Natco Pharma Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 2700
• Voraze injection
  • Manufactured by – Sun Pharmaceuticals Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 2154
• Verz injection
  • Manufactured by – Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd
  • Price – Rs.1855.55

Storage requirements for Voriconazole

• Storage at room temperature away from direct light and heat unless mentioned in the package insert.
• Keep medicines away from children and pets.

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Q. What is Voriconazole?

Voriconazole is a triazole antifungal agent. It is available in powder form for the solution for intravenous infusion, film-coated tablets for oral administration, and as a powder for oral suspension. It is used to treat severe fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.

Q. What are the uses of Voriconazole?

Voriconazole is used for the treatment of Candida fungal infection in the blood, Severe fungal infections in skin and infections in abdomen, kidney, bladder wall, and wounds.

Q. Should Voriconazole be taken on an empty stomach?

Voriconazole should not be taken on an empty stomach.

Q. Does Voriconazole make you drowsy?

Voriconazole can cause drowsiness.

Q. What should be the time gap between the intakes of two Voriconazole doses?

The usual time gap between 2 doses of Voriconazole tablets should be 10-12 hours.

Q. Should I complete the whole cycle of the medicine even if cured?

A complete course prescribed by your doctor must be taken for the complete cessation of symptoms from your body.

Q. Does Voriconazole effect my menstrual cycle?

No, Voriconazole does not affect your menstrual cycle.

Q. Is Voriconazole safe for children?

Voriconazole is safe for consumption in children above 12 years of age. Children below 2 years should use it with caution.

Q. Are there any symptoms that I should consider before taking Voriconazole?

Patients with the history of allergic reaction to any of the ingredients of Voriconazole should use it with caution.

Q. Is Voriconazole legal in India?

Yes, Voriconazole is legal in India.

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Disclaimer – The information provided above is to the best of our research and knowledge. However, you are recommended to consult a physician before consuming the drug.