What is voriconazole used for?

Voriconazole is used to treat serious fungal infections like invasive aspergillosis and certain Candida infections in adults and children over 2 years old.

Can voriconazole cause vision problems?

Yes, visual disturbances are common with voriconazole; you should monitor your vision if using it for more than 28 days.

Is voriconazole safe to take during pregnancy?

No, voriconazole can cause fetal harm and may cause birth defects, so effective contraception is advised during treatment.

What should I do if I get a rash while taking voriconazole?

If you experience severe skin reactions or peeling, you should stop using the medication immediately.

Does voriconazole interact with other medicines?

Yes, voriconazole has many significant drug interactions and can change the levels of other drugs in your blood.

Can voriconazole affect my liver?

Yes, serious liver reactions have been reported, so doctors will monitor your liver function during treatment.

Should I avoid the sun while taking voriconazole?

Yes, voriconazole can cause photosensitivity, so it is best to avoid direct sunlight.

What happens if I take too much voriconazole?

There is no known antidote, but hemodialysis may help remove the drug from your system in an overdose.

Voriconazole | CAS 188416-29-7 | BCEHBSKCWLPMDN

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Azole antifungal

Voriconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat serious fungal infections like invasive aspergillosis and certain types of Candida infections. It is available as an injection or an oral medication. Because it can affect liver function and interact with many other drugs, it requires careful monitoring by a healthcare provider.

How it worksVoriconazole works by blocking a specific enzyme (lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase) that fungi need to grow.

Brand names:VFEND, VORICONAZOLE

Used for

Invasive aspergillosis (a serious lung infection)Candidemia (bloodstream Candida infection) in patients without low white blood cell countsDeep tissue Candida infections (in the skin, abdomen, kidneys, bladder, or wounds)Esophageal candidiasis (yeast infection in the esophagus)Serious infections caused by Scetosporium apiospermum or Fusarium species

Conditions

Invasive aspergillosisCandidemiaEsophageal candidiasisScedosporiosisFusariosis

Class

AntifungalAzoleAzole antifungalImmune SystemRespiratory SystemDigestive SystemCirculatory System

How to take

FormsIntravenous (IV) infusion, Oral (by mouth)

RoutesIntravenous, Oral

Dosing varies based on the type of infection, the patient's weight, and whether the drug is given by IV or orally. For example, adults with invasive aspergillosis may receive a loading dose followed by a maintenance dose of 4 mg/kg or 200 mg every 12 hours.

This medication is noted as being in shortage. Dosing is complex and must be managed by a medical professional, especially for pediatric patients or those with liver or kidney issues.

Key warnings

·Serious liver problems can occur; liver function tests are required during treatment.
·May cause heart rhythm issues; electrolyte levels should be checked.
·Can cause severe skin reactions; stop use if skin peeling occurs.
·May cause sensitivity to sunlight; avoid excessive sun exposure.
·Can cause harm to an unborn baby; use effective birth control during treatment.
·May cause visual disturbances; monitor vision if used long-term.

Do not use if

·Do not use if you are allergic to voriconazole or other azole antifungal medicines.
·Do not use with pimozide, quinidine, or ivabradine due to heart rhythm risks.
·Do not use with sirolimus.

Side effects

Common

Visual disturbancesFeverNauseaRashVomitingChillsHeadache

Serious

·Liver toxicity
·Heart rhythm changes (QT prolongation)
·Severe skin reactions
·Photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight)
·Visual changes like optic neuritis
·Adrenal dysfunction
·Skeletal issues like fluorosis

Seek help if

·Signs of Cushing’s syndrome or adrenal insufficiency
·Skin peeling or severe rashes
·Changes in vision
·Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat

Interactions

·Voriconazole interacts with many drugs, including pimozide, quinidine, ivabradine, and sirolimus.
·It can change how your body processes other medicines, including certain oral contraceptives.
·Because it affects liver enzymes, it can increase or decrease the levels of many other medications in your system.

Special populations

PregnancyVoriconazole can cause harm to a fetus. Pregnant women should be informed of this risk, and women of reproductive age should use effective contraception while taking this drug.

PediatricVoriconazole is used in children 2 years of age and older. Dosing is based on weight and specific infection type.

GeriatricIn elderly patients, voriconazole levels in the blood may be 80% to 90% higher than in younger patients.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Liver function
·Vision
·Heart rhythm
·Adrenal function
·Skin condition

Questions to ask

·How will this affect my liver function?
·Are my current medications safe to take with voriconazole?
·Do I need to monitor my vision while on this drug?
·Should I use special sun protection while taking this?

Pharmacokinetics

MetabolismMetabolized by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes CYP2C19, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4. Metabolism is non-linear due to saturation.

Practical

OverdoseThere is no specific antidote for an overdose. In severe cases, hemodialysis may help remove the drug and its carrier from the body.

Ingredients

Allergens

sulfite

Inactive

sulfobutyl ether beta-cyclo-dextrin sodium

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.