This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Posaconazole is a group of medicines called Azole antifungals. The U.S. FDA officially approved Posaconazole for its medical use in 2006.

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Posaconazole inhibits ergosterol synthesis by binding and inhibiting the lanosterol-14alpha-demethylase enzyme, which is found in almost all fungi and is a key component of the fungal cell membrane. It stops the activity of the organisms responsible for fungus infections.

Uses of undefined

Posaconazole is used to treat fungal infections, oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), and  Prophylaxis of invasive aspergillus and candida infections in severely immunocompromised patients.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Posaconazole is available as an injection, delayed-release tablet, syrup or oral suspension. The recommended dose of Posaconazole tablet is 300 mg twice daily and must be taken with food. Avoid crushing, chewing, or breaking the tablets; swallow them whole. Posaconazole injection is usually given over 30 to 90 minutes in your vein. Take each oral suspension dose within 20 minutes after a full meal. A measured dosing spoon comes with your oral suspension and is marked for  2.5 ml and 5 ml doses. Follow your doctor's instructions attentively and continue to take it at the dose and time suggested by your doctor. It may worsen your symptoms, so don't stop taking it without first talking to your doctor.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Contact your physician immediately if you have a history of allergic reactions, liver or kidney problems, blood disorders, heart diseases,  and low levels of magnesium and potassium. Regular blood tests are advised before and during using Posaconazole to check liver function, particularly if you have any liver problems. Report to your doctor if you have severe diarrhea or vomiting, as this may stop it from working properly.

Precautions

Consult your doctor before using Posaconazole if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will prescribe this medication only if it is necessary for you. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the treatment with Posaconazole as it passes into the breastmilk.

Side Effects

The common side effects of Posaconazole are fever, headache,  cough, low potassium levels in the blood, constipation, loss of appetite, stomach pain,  numbness or tingling, heartburn, high blood pressure, rashes, and itching. Inform your physician immediately if you experience an allergic reaction, liver problems, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Word Of Advice

Posaconazole can cause dizziness, weakness, and blurred vision. Therefore, avoiding driving or using machines during this treatment is advisable. Avoid intake of very high sugar or high-carbohydrate diets since it may increase the count of Candida in some people. Avoiding or limiting alcohol and caffeine intake during Posaconazole treatment to enhance a healthy lifestyle is better.

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. Merck Sharp & Dohme (UK) Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Oct 2021] [Accessed on 18th Aug 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5388.pdf
  2. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corporation, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on 2015] [Accessed on 18th Aug 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/022003s018s020,0205053s002s004,0205596s001s003lbl.pdf
  3. L. Chen et al., Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Posaconazole, Drugs, 2020, 80:671–695, https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40265-020-01306-y.pdf

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.