Voricon 200mg Tablet

Uses of Voricon 200mg Tablet

It is used in adults and in children (aged 2 years or older) to:

• Treat and prevent severe fungal infections

How does Voricon 200mg Tablet work?

Voricon 200mg Tablet is indeed an antifungal medication that is used to effectively treat fungal infections within the body. Its mechanism of action involves disrupting the fungal cell membrane by inhibiting the production of ergosterol, a crucial component for the fungal cell's survival. By doing so, it prevents the multiplication of fungal cells, ultimately halting the spread and progression of the infection.

Side Effects of Voricon 200mg Tablet

• Vomiting
• Headache
• Nausea
• Abnormal liver function tests
• Rash
• Sinus infections
• Altered vision
• Low blood sugar
• Depression
• Hallucinations
• Low numbers of white and red blood cells
• Slow heart rate

Quick Suggestions:

• Your doctor has prescribed Voriconazole to cure your infection and improve symptoms.
• Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
• It should be taken one hour before or one hour after a meal.
• Do not take indigestion remedies (antacids) within two hours of taking Voriconazole.
• Your doctor may check your liver function before starting treatment and regularly thereafter. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Indication

Voriconazole is indeed a potent antifungal medication, and it is used to treat various fungal infections in individuals aged 12 and older. Here is a summary of the fungal infections that Voriconazole is commonly prescribed for:

• Invasive Aspergillosis: This is a severe fungal infection caused by the Aspergillus species, which can affect various organs, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
• Candidemia and Widespread Candidiasis: Voriconazole is used to treat candidemia (Candida bloodstream infection) and widespread candidiasis, which can affect the skin, abdomen, kidneys, bladder wall, and wounds. These infections are caused by various Candida species.
• Candida Esophagitis: This is a type of candidiasis that affects the esophagus, causing inflammation and discomfort.
• Infections Caused by Scedosporium apiospermum and Fusarium Species: Voriconazole is effective against these fungal species, particularly Fusarium solani, which can cause severe and difficult-to-treat infections.
• Treatment Resistance or Intolerance: In some cases, Voriconazole may be prescribed when individuals are resistant to or intolerant of alternative antifungal treatments.

Pharmacology

Voriconazole is a triazole antifungal drug that is used to treat severe fungal infections. By inhibiting CYP450-dependent 14-alpha sterol demethylase, voriconazole binds to and inhibits ergosterol production. When 14-alpha sterol demethylase is inhibited, ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane is depleted.

Dosage & Administration of Voricon 200mg Tablet

For Patients at or Over 40 kg Body Weight:

• Loading Dose (First 24 Hours): 400 mg (or 10 ml of suspension) every 12 hours.
• Maintenance Dose (After First 24 Hours): 200 mg (or 5 ml of suspension) twice daily.

For Patients Below 40 kg Body Weight:

• Loading Dose (First 24 Hours): 200 mg (or 5 ml of suspension) every 12 hours.
• Maintenance Dose (After First 24 Hours): 100 mg (or 2.5 ml of suspension) twice daily.

It's essential to follow your doctor's prescribed dosage and schedule precisely. Remember that the medication should be taken at least one hour before or one hour after a meal for optimal absorption. If you have any questions or concerns about your dosing regimen or the administration of Voriconazole, please consult your healthcare provider for clarification and guidance.

Interaction

Voricon 200mg Tablet can interact with various other medications, potentially leading to adverse effects or reduced effectiveness. It's essential to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins, to prevent any potential drug interactions. Here is a list of some specific medications and drug classes that may interact with Voricon 200mg Tablet:

• Medicines used for allergies (e.g., terfenadine, astemizole)
• Medicines for chronic heart failure symptoms (e.g., ivabradine)
• Medications for stomach problems (e.g., cisapride)
• Drugs used to treat mental illness (e.g., pimozide, phenytoin, phenobarbital, midazolam, triazolam, and lurasidone)
• Antiepileptic drugs like carbamazepine and phenytoin
• Medications for irregular heartbeat (e.g., quinidine)
• Antituberculosis drugs (e.g., rifampicin, rifabutin)
• HIV medications (e.g., efavirenz, ritonavir, efavirenz, delavirdine, nevirapine)
• Migraine medications (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine)
• Medications used in transplant patients (e.g., sirolimus, ciclosporin, tacrolimus)
• St. John's Wort (an herbal supplement used for depression)
• Drugs for treating constipation (e.g., naloxegol)
• Medications for hyponatremia (e.g., tolvaptan)
• Drugs used to treat blood cancer patients (e.g., venetoclax)
• Anticancer drugs (e.g., glasdegib, vincristine, vinblastine)
• Warfarin (a blood clot prevention medication)
• Diabetes medications (e.g., tolbutamide, glipizide, glyburide)
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g., atorvastatin, simvastatin)
• Medications for stomach ulcers (e.g., omeprazole)
• Oral contraceptives (birth control pills containing ethinylestradiol)
• Medications for drug addiction treatment (e.g., methadone)
• Painkillers used for surgical procedures (e.g., alfentanil, fentanyl, sufentanil)
• Strong pain relievers for moderate to severe pain (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone, ibuprofen, diclofenac)
• Other antifungal medications (e.g., fluconazole)
• Medications for advanced kidney cancer and transplant patients (e.g., everolimus)
• Drugs to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease after bone marrow transplant (e.g., letermovir)
• Cystic fibrosis treatment medication (e.g., ivacaftor)

Contraindications

Voriconazole is contraindicated (should not be used) in individuals with hypersensitivity (allergic reactions) to voriconazole itself or any of the other ingredients in the medication.

In addition to contraindications, there are several important drug interactions to be aware of when taking Voriconazole. These interactions can lead to reduced effectiveness of the medication or increased risk of adverse effects. Here are some notable drug interactions:

Avoid Combining With:

• Terfenadine and Astemizole: Combining Voriconazole with these medications can result in major adverse effects.
• Cisapride: Co-administration of Voriconazole with cisapride is not recommended.
• Pimozide: Taking Voriconazole along with pimozide is not advised.
• Quinidine: Combining Voriconazole with quinidine is not recommended.

Use With Caution:

1. Sirolimus: Sirolimus should be used with caution when taking Voriconazole, as there is a potential for major adverse effects.

Avoid Combining With Due to Potential Efficacy Loss:

• Rifampin: Taking rifampin with Voriconazole may lead to a loss of efficacy of the antifungal medication.
• Carbamazepine: Co-administration of carbamazepine with Voriconazole may result in a reduction in Voriconazole efficacy.
• Long-Acting Barbiturates: Using long-acting barbiturates along with Voriconazole may lead to a decrease in Voriconazole effectiveness.
• Efavirenz: Combining Voriconazole with efavirenz is not recommended.
• Ritonavir: Taking Voriconazole with ritonavir may lead to reduced Voriconazole efficacy.
• Rifabutin: Co-administration of Voriconazole with rifabutin is not recommended.
• Ergot Alkaloids: Taking Voriconazole with ergot alkaloids is not advised.
• St. John's Wort (Herbal Supplement): The use of St. John's Wort with Voriconazole is not recommended.

Pregnancy & Lactation

In pregnant women, there are no sufficient and well-controlled trials. Only if the possible benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus should it be taken during pregnancy.

Precautions & Warnings

Here are some important precautions and warnings related to the use of Voriconazole (Voricon 200mg Tablet):

• Allergic Reaction: Do not take Voriconazole if you have had an allergic reaction to Voriconazole itself or any of its ingredients. Allergic reactions can be severe and may include symptoms like rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
• Liver Toxicity: Voriconazole is associated with liver toxicity, including cases that have resulted in fatalities, especially in patients with other serious underlying diseases. If you have liver disease, your doctor may lower the dose of Voriconazole, and you will likely undergo regular liver function tests to monitor your liver health.
• Pregnancy: Voriconazole is classified as a pregnancy category D drug. This means that it should not be used by pregnant women unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should discuss the risks and benefits of using Voriconazole with your healthcare provider.
• Breastfeeding: Similarly, Voriconazole should not be used by breastfeeding women unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding while taking this medication.
• Heart Problems: If you have a pre-existing heart condition, such as an irregular heartbeat, slow heart rate, or abnormalities in an electrocardiogram (ECG), inform your doctor before starting Voriconazole. The medication can affect heart rhythm, so your healthcare provider will need to monitor you closely.
• Sun Sensitivity: Exposure to sunlight while taking Voriconazole can increase your sensitivity to the sun's UV rays. To protect your skin, it is recommended to use a high sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid direct sunlight when possible.
• Antacids: If you need to take an antacid while using Voriconazole, it should be taken at least 2 hours after taking Voriconazole. This timing helps ensure that Voriconazole is properly absorbed and effective.

Storage Conditions

Keep out of children's reach. Store in a cool, dry area below 25°C and out of direct sunlight.