Voriconazole Tablet

What are Voriconazole Tablets?

Voriconazole is sold under the brand name Vfend. It is in a class of antifungal medications called triazoles. Voriconazole is used in adults and children 2 years of age and older to treat serious fungal infections such as invasive aspergillosis ( a fungal infection that begins in the lungs and spreads through the bloodstream to other organs|), esophageal candidiasis ( a yeast infection) that may cause white patches in the mouth and throat and candidemia ( a fungal infection in the blood). It is used to treat certain other fungal infections when other medications will not work for certain patients. It works to slow the growth of the fungi that causes infection. 

What is Invasive aspergillosis?

Invasive Aspergillosis is a fungal infection of usually the lungs caused by the genus Aspergillus. It is a common mold that is breathed in frequently from the air around but does not affect most people. 

• How does Invasive aspergillosis occur?

It generally occurs in people with lung diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, or tuberculosis or those who have had a stem cell or organ transplant, and those who cannot fight infections. It can affect the skin. It occurs in chronic and acute forms.

• What are the signs and symptoms of Invasive Aspergillosis?

A fungal ball in the lungs may cause no symptoms and may be discovered only with a chest X-ray. Some symptoms may include 

Fever

Chills

Shock

Delirium

Seizures

Blood clots.

 What is Esophageal Candidiasis?

Esophageal thrush is a yeast infection of the esophagus. The condition is also known as Esophageal Candidiasis.

Fungi in the family Candida cause esophageal thrush. There are about 20 species of Candida that can cause the condition, but it’s usually caused by Candida albicans.

• How does Esophageal Candidiasis develop?

Candida is normally present on the surface of the skin and within the body. Normally, your immune system can regulate these good and bad organisms in your body. Sometimes, a shift in the balance between the Candida and your healthy bacteria can cause the yeast to overgrow and develop into an infection. 

• What are the symptoms of Esophageal Candidiasis?

The symptoms of esophageal candidiasis include: 

White lesions on the lining of your esophagus look like cottage cheese

Pain or discomfort when swallowing

Dry mouth

Nausea

Vomiting

Weight loss

Chest pain

What is Candidemia?

Candida infection can happen in almost any part of the body. It develops on mucous membranes ( in the mouth, genitals, etc) but infection can be in your bloodstream. When Candida is in your bloodstream, the condition is called Candidemia. It spread from your bloodstream to other parts of your body ( such as the eyes, kidney, liver, and brain). It is called Invasive Candidemia. 

• How can you get Candidemia?

In the hospital, up to 10% of bloodstream infections are caused by the fungus Candida. Candida develops within 3 weeks of being admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) especially if you have other risk factors.

• What are the signs and symptoms of Candidemia?

Signs and symptoms of Candida infection depend upon the site of infection. If you have Candidemia, you may have the following:

Fever, Chills 

Generalized weakness or fatigue 

Low blood pressure

Muscle aches

Vision changes or signs of an eye infection

Headaches and neurological deficits

Abdominal pain

Take Voriconazole Tablets by mouth without food at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after meals by your doctor. Usually every 12 hours. Before taking medicine consult your doctor. Dose and duration will be decided by the necessity and need of the patient. It depends on the treatment and may change from time to time. You should take medicine as per your doctor’s advice. This medicine is strictly not recommended for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. It takes some weeks and months to get a better result. Do not stop taking medicine before your doctor’s advice.  

The most common side effects of this medicine include rash, vomiting, nausea, and headache. Other signs include swelling of the lips, throat, or face, swallowing or breathing problems, and feeling dizzy or faint. If these side effects are serious, you should call your doctor. 

Benefits of Voriconazole Tablets

• In the treatment of Severe fungal Infections

Voriconazole Tablets work to kill the fungi which can cause serious infections. It usually makes you feel better very quickly but you should continue taking it according to the doctor’s prescription. When you feel better make sure that all the fungi and yeast causing the infection are killed and do not become resistant.

Side effects of Voriconazole Tablets

There are Some major and minor side effects of this medicine. But not all side effects need doctor’s attention. If you may experience any side effects that become serious, You may consult your doctor. Some of the common side effects of this medicine include:

• Abnormal vision
• Difficulty seeing colors 
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness 
• Dry mouth
• Flushing

How are Voriconazole Tablets given?

Always take this medicine as per your doctor’s consultation. Take Voriconazole Tablets by mouth without food at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after meals by your doctor. Usually every 12 hours. Before taking medicine consult your doctor. Dose and duration will decide your doctor. You are not allowed to crush, chew and break the medicine. Swallow it as a whole. Drink plenty of water. Do not miss the dose. If you miss a dose skip the missed dose and follow your schedule regularly on the next day. Do not double the dose. Take medicine every day on time as prescribed by your doctor. Much other medicine can affect this, so let your doctor know all the medication you are using during the treatment.

What is the work of Voriconazole Tablets?

It is an antifungal medication. It kills and stops the growth of the fungi by destroying its cell membrane, thereby treating your skin infection.