Voriconazole
Voriconazole is a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal medication used to treat serious, potentially life-threatening fungal infections in patients with compromised immune systems. It is primarily prescribed for invasive aspergillosis, serious Candida infections, and other fungal infections that have not responded to other treatments.
A potent antifungal agent for treating serious invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J02AC03
- RxNorm
- 121243
- Generic
- Voriconazole
- Class
- atc-j02
- Brands
- Vfend
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- 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
- 400mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 200mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks - known teratogenic effects
regular fetal monitoring including ultrasound
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh risks - consider alternative antifungals
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
voriconazole is excreted in breast milk - breastfeeding not recommended
none
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children 2 11 yearsweight-based dosing required
approved for use in children 2 years and older with invasive aspergillosis
monitor liver function tests regularly
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno specific adjustment needed
use with caution due to potential decreased hepatic function
monitor hepatic function and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeIV formulation contraindicated - use oral if needed
cyclodextrin vehicle accumulates in severe renal impairment - avoid IV formulation
monitor renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderatereduce maintenance dose by half
reduce dose to 200mg BID (from 200mg BID maintenance) for moderate hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid use
not recommended for severe hepatic impairment - use alternative therapy
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Voriconazole is used to treat invasive aspergillosis (including fatal forms), candidemia in non-neutropenic patients, serious Candida infections (including resistant strains), and infections caused by Scedosporium and Fusarium species. It is typically reserved for serious infections when other antifungal therapies have failed or are inappropriate.
Voriconazole works by inhibiting the fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme 14α-demethylase, which is essential for converting lanosterol to ergosterol—a critical component of the fungal cell membrane. By disrupting ergosterol synthesis, the medication compromises the fungal cell membrane integrity, preventing fungal growth and replication.
Voriconazole carries significant risks including hepatotoxicity, visual disturbances (blurred vision, color changes), and severe drug interactions with many medications metabolized through CYP450 enzymes. It requires therapeutic drug monitoring to ensure adequate levels and reduce toxicity risk. Common side effects include visual disturbances, rash, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Use in pregnancy should be avoided due to potential fetal harm.
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