Posaconazole: Indications, Dosage and Side Effects

Indications

Posaconazole is indicated for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis in adults and pediatric patients (aged 2 years and above weighing over 40 kg). It is also used for treating fusariosis, chromoblastomycosis, mycetoma, and coccidioidomycosis in patients who are refractory or intolerant to other antifungal treatments. Additionally, Posaconazole serves as a prophylactic measure against invasive fungal infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy for AML or MDS, and in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients at high risk of such infections.

Dosage

The recommended dosage of Posaconazole for adults and children is shown in the table below and should be used at the discretion of a doctor in patients with liver or kidney impairment or other medical conditions.

Side Effects

Posaconazole can lead to various side effects. Common side effects include fever, headache, dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, heartburn, rash, itching, and muscle or back pain. Some individuals may also experience swelling in extremities, sore throat, cough, nosebleeds, trouble sleeping, and increased sweating.

Serious side effects require immediate medical attention and include extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, jaundice, upper abdominal pain, darkened urine, pale stools, flu-like symptoms, unusual bruising or bleeding, heart rhythm disturbances, fainting, and shortness of breath. It is important to contact a doctor if any of these symptoms persist or worsen, or if any unusual issues arise during treatment.

You may like