Voriconazole administration and its side effects

Voriconazole is an antifungal medication that is used in the treatment of fungus infection.  Along with fungus infection treatment, it is also helpful in preventing the fungal infection in patients with an undergoing BMT. Voriconazole is the most recommended medication used in the treatment of CNS fungal infections that is transmitted by the injection of contaminated steroids.

Voriconazole medication was approved in the United States in 2002 for medical use. Voriconazole is one of the safest and effective medicines. It is also in the list of the World Health organization's list of essential medicines.

Dosage and administration: 

Voriconazole is present in three different forms which are mentioned below:

• Tablets: 50mg, 200mg
• Injections : 200mg
• Oral suspensions: 45mg

Tablets: Each tablet of voriconazole contains 50 mg or 200 mg of active ingredient (Voriconazole). Other inactive ingredients are lactose monohydrate, starch, magnesium stearate, pregelatinized starch, etc.

Voriconazole is administered in the human body by intravenous infusion small vials containing 200mg voriconazole are supposed to be mixed with sterile water for injection.

The oral suspension of voriconazole contains 45 grams of powder that is suspended into the water to produce 40mg/ml voriconazole. The inactive ingredients of the oral suspension are colloidal Silicon dioxide, Titanium dioxide, sodium citrate dihydrate, sodium benzoate, citric sucrose, sucrose, natural Orange flavor.

Side effects: Some common side effects of voriconazole injection are:

• Rash
• Blurred vision 
• Headache 
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Chills 
• Fever 
• Nausea

Some serious adverse reactions of voriconazole 200 mg injection are:

• Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: voriconazole should not be recommended to pregnant women as it may cause fetal damage
• The patient suffering from hereditary galactose intolerance Lapp lactase deficiency: this medication is not used in case of a patient suffering from the hereditary disease 
• Arrhythmias and QT Prolongation: potassium and magnesium concentration should be correct in the body.
• Infusion-related reactions: this medication may mainly cause severe infusions.
• Dermatological reactions: if any dermatological problems occur then the use of voriconazole should be discontinued.
• Skeletal Events: Fluorosis and periostitis may cause long term voriconazole medications.

Drug interaction: Voriconazole 200 mg interacts with many drugs in the body. Voriconazole is contraindicated to be used with rifampin, rifabutin, sirolimus, quinidine. Dose adjustment of voriconazole is done when coadministered with other drugs such as tacrolimus, fluconazole, cyclosporine, and warfarin.

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