Voriconazole is a prescription antifungal often used for serious infections like invasive aspergillosis and some resistant Candida infections. It's stronger than common antifungals, so doctors reserve it for situations where milder drugs won't work. You’ll likely meet this drug in a hospital or as a follow-up at home, and knowing the basics—how it’s taken, what side effects to watch for, and important interactions—helps you stay safe.
Common adult dosing starts with a loading dose then maintenance. For adults, many regimens begin with a higher dose for the first day, then a steady twice-daily dose. Because levels can vary a lot between people, clinicians often check blood levels (therapeutic drug monitoring) to keep the concentration in a safe and effective range. Voriconazole can affect the liver, so expect blood tests for liver enzymes before and during treatment. If you're given the IV form and have poor kidney function, doctors may prefer the oral form because the IV vehicle can build up in severe kidney disease.
Visual changes are one of the odd but common effects—blurry vision, light sensitivity, or seeing halos—usually short-lived after a dose change. Other frequent issues include nausea, headache, rash, and elevated liver enzymes. Serious reactions can happen: severe skin reactions, liver injury, or heart rhythm changes. If you notice yellowing skin, a spreading rash, fainting, or chest pain, get medical help right away.
Voriconazole interacts with many drugs. It affects CYP enzymes (especially CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and CYP2C9), so it can raise or lower levels of drugs like warfarin, certain statins, some anti-seizure meds, and many others. Tell your provider about every medicine, supplement, and herbal product you take—especially St. John’s wort, which can make voriconazole less effective. Genetic differences (like CYP2C19 variants) change how people process the drug; that’s another reason doctors sometimes check blood levels.
Practical tips: take tablets at the same times each day, with or without food depending on your prescription—follow the label. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next one; don’t double up. Avoid direct sun—voriconazole can make your skin more sensitive and, with long use, may increase skin cancer risk. Store tablets at room temperature; if you get an oral suspension, you may need to refrigerate it and follow storage instructions on the label.
Before starting, mention pregnancy plans—voriconazole can harm a fetus. Keep in touch with your healthcare team about side effects, lab work, and any new medications. If something feels off, call your prescriber rather than guessing. Voriconazole can cure serious infections when used right, but it needs careful monitoring and respect for its interactions and risks.
In my latest post, I discussed the role of Voriconazole in treating invasive fungal infections in cancer patients. It's a powerful antifungal medication that's particularly effective against Aspergillus and Candida species. Administered orally or intravenously, Voriconazole has become a go-to treatment option for immunocompromised patients, including those with cancer. I also highlighted the importance of closely monitoring the patient's liver function and drug interactions, as Voriconazole can have potential side effects. Overall, the use of Voriconazole has proven to be a crucial tool in managing invasive fungal infections in cancer patients, improving their quality of life and giving them a fighting chance against these life-threatening infections.