Posaconazole
Posaconazole is a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal medication used to prevent and treat serious fungal infections, particularly invasive aspergillosis and candidiasis, primarily in immunocompromised patients such as those undergoing chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, or with prolonged neutropenia.
An azole antifungal used for prophylaxis and treatment of serious fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J02AC04
- RxNorm
- 282446
- Generic
- Posaconazole
- Class
- atc-j02
- Brands
- Posatex, Mometamax Single, Noxafil
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- otic, oral
- Forms
- injection, suspension, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 300mg twice daily on day 1, then 300mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- twice daily on day 1, then once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 200mg three times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 300mg twice daily on day 1, then 300mg once daily (for patients ≥40kg)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- twice daily on day 1, then once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; consider alternative antifungal therapy
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse with caution
avoid unless benefits outweigh risks; consider alternative therapy preferred in pregnancy
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse with caution
avoid unless benefits outweigh risks; close monitoring required
regular fetal monitoring and assessment of maternal liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
nursing mothersdiscontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug
posaconazole is excreted in breast milk; breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment and for 2 weeks after final dose
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyno specific dose adjustment required
use standard dosing; monitor for adverse effects due to age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and comorbidities
monitor liver function tests and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
under 2 yearsnot recommended
posaconazole oral suspension not approved for children under 18 years; IV formulation may be considered in certain cases
close monitoring for efficacy and safety
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
2 to 17 yearsweight-based dosing with close monitoring
use only when benefits outweigh risks; oral suspension not approved for pediatric use; consider alternative therapies
regular monitoring of drug levels and liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment required
standard dosing can be used; no dosage adjustment needed for mild to moderate renal impairment
routine monitoring of renal function
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution; monitor for drug accumulation especially with oral suspension; consider therapeutic drug monitoring
monitor renal function and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno dose adjustment recommended
use with caution; monitor liver function tests
regular monitoring of liver enzymes and bilirubin
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose or use with caution
use with caution; limited data available; consider dose reduction and therapeutic drug monitoring
frequent liver function monitoring; monitor for hepatotoxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for Posaconazole
Drug class
Antifungal agent classification
Mechanism of action
Ergosterol synthesis inhibition
Common uses
Therapeutic applications
Prevention of invasive fungal infections (Aspergillus and Candida) in high-risk patients; treatment of invasive aspergillosis, oropharyngeal candidiasis including fluconazole-resistant cases; and prophylaxis in immunocompromised hosts.
Inhibits the fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme 14-alpha demethylase, blocking ergosterol synthesis and disrupting fungal cell membrane integrity.
Requires therapeutic drug monitoring for optimal dosing; significant drug interactions via CYP3A4; contraindicated in pregnancy; monitor liver function and QT interval; available as oral suspension, delayed-release tablets, and IV formulation.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy