MedDataToolPosaconazole is an antifungal medication used to prevent serious infections caused by fungi, specifically Aspergillus and Candida, in patients with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing stem cell transplants or chemotherapy. It works by blocking the production of a vital component in the fungal cell membrane, which helps to kill the fungi. The medication is taken as delayed-release tablets, starting with a loading dose of 300 mg twice a day on the first day, followed by a maintenance dose of 300 mg once a day from the second day onward. It's important to know that posaconazole should not be taken with sirolimus, as it can significantly increase the levels of that drug in the body, leading to potential toxicity. Additionally, if you have a known allergy to posaconazole or other similar antifungal medications, you should not take it.
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Uses
- Prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus infections.
- Prophylaxis of invasive Candida infections.
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Dosage
Adults: Start with 300 mg twice daily on the first day, then 300 mg once daily.
Pediatric patients (2 years and older, >40 kg): Same as adults.
Administer with or without food.
Duration depends on recovery from neutropenia or immunosuppression.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
DiarrheanauseafevervomitingheadachecoughinghypokalemiaHypersensitivity
Serious
arrhythmiashepatic toxicity
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Contraindicated with sirolimus, CYP3A4 substrates like pimozide and quinidine.
- Monitor for breakthrough fungal infections with certain drugs.
- Use with caution in patients with renal impairment.
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Drug interactions
- Rifabutinmay increase rifabutin levelsCaution
- Phenytoinmay increase phenytoin levelsCaution
- Efavirenzdecreases posaconazole levelsCaution
- Tacrolimusincreases tacrolimus levelsMonitor
- Simvastatinincreases simvastatin levels.Monitor
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Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
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Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).