Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Posaconazole is utilized to proactively thwart severe fungal infections that have the potential to disseminate throughout the entire body, in both adults and children aged 2 years and older whose immune response is compromised. Posaconazole delayed-release tablets are employed to manage invasive aspergillosis, a grave fungal infection that originates in the lungs and subsequently infiltrates the bloodstream, affecting other organs. Posaconazole belongs to the classification of medications referred to as azole antifungals. Its mode of action involves decelerating the proliferation of fungi that instigate infection.
Uses and Dosage
Posaconazole is available in various forms for oral administration: an immediate-release oral suspension (liquid), a delayed-release tablet, and a delayed-release oral suspension. The dosing regimens differ for each form:
- The delayed-release tablets are usually taken with or without food twice a day on the initial day and subsequently once a day.
- The delayed-release oral suspension is generally consumed with food twice a day on the first day and then once a day.
- The immediate-release oral suspension is typically taken one to three times daily alongside a full meal or within 20 minutes after eating. If taking it with a full meal is not feasible, it can be ingested with a liquid nutritional supplement or an acidic carbonated beverage like ginger ale.
The duration of treatment with posaconazole will be determined by your doctor. Take posaconazole at approximately the same times each day.
Consume posaconazole in strict accordance with the prescribed instructions. Avoid altering the dosage—neither increasing nor decreasing it—nor should you exceed the frequency instructed by your doctor.
Before each use, thoroughly shake the oral suspension to ensure uniform mixing of the medication.
When taking posaconazole immediate-release oral suspension, exclusively use the dosing spoon provided with the product to measure your dose. A household spoon may not provide the accurate dosage. After each use and before storing, the dosing spoon should be rinsed thoroughly with water.
The posaconazole delayed-release tablets should be swallowed whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. If swallowing the tablets whole is not feasible, inform your doctor.
For individuals using the delayed-release oral suspension, solely utilize the provided mixing liquid to prepare it. Add 9 mL of the mixing liquid to the delayed-release oral suspension powder. Vigorously shake the mixture in the mixing cup for 45 seconds to ensure thorough mixing; it should appear cloudy without any clumps. After mixing, measure the dose using the syringe provided and take it with food within 1 hour. If you or your child are unable to ingest the entire dose or if some of the dose is expelled, contact your doctor.
Each posaconazole product releases the medication differently within the body and cannot be interchanged. Only consume the specific posaconazole product prescribed by your doctor and refrain from switching to a different posaconazole product unless specifically advised by your doctor.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- fever
- headache
- chills or shaking
- dizziness
- weakness
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- constipation
- heartburn
- rash
- itching
- back or muscle pain
- sores on the lips, mouth, or throat
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- increased sweating
- nosebleeds
- cough
- sore throat
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects.
Caution
Prior to commencing posaconazole, notify your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you possess any known allergies to it, other azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), or any other substances. This product could potentially contain inert components capable of triggering allergic reactions or other complications.
Before initiating this medication, convey your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, with special emphasis on liver disease and kidney disease.
Posaconazole might precipitate a heart rhythm disorder referred to as QT prolongation. While this occurrence is rare, it can lead to serious (and rarely fatal) instances of rapid or irregular heartbeat, accompanied by symptoms such as severe dizziness or fainting, necessitating immediate medical attention.
Insufficient levels of potassium or magnesium in the bloodstream might also increase the likelihood of QT prolongation. This risk could further escalate if certain drugs (like diuretics or “water pills”) are being used, or if conditions like profuse sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting are present. Engage in a discussion with your doctor regarding the safe utilization of posaconazole.
This drug might provoke dizziness. The consumption of alcohol or marijuana could exacerbate this dizziness. Activities requiring alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, should be approached cautiously until you are confident of your capacity to undertake them safely.
Among older adults, heightened sensitivity to the side effects of this drug is conceivable, particularly in relation to QT prolongation (as mentioned earlier).
During pregnancy, the utilization of this medication is recommended only when unequivocally necessary. Deliberate the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
Whether this drug transfers into breast milk remains uncertain. Consulting your doctor prior to breastfeeding is advised.
Form and Strength
Noxafil is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Noxafil oral suspension:
- 40mg/ml
-
posaconazole modified release tablet:
- 100mg
FAQ
What’s the best time of day to take Noxafil?
You should take Noxafil at the same time every day for the best results. The tablet should be taken with food, and the liquid should be taken with a full meal.
How effective is Noxafil?
Randomized, double-blind trials have shown posaconazole to be at least as efficacious as fluconazole for the prevention of invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/posaconazole/what-is#faqs
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1849883/#:~:text=Randomized%2C%20double%2Dblind%20trials%20have,refractory%20to%20other%20antifungal%20therapy
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607036.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-145150-822/noxafil-oral/posaconazole-suspension-oral/details
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/posaconazole-oral-route/description/drg-20069121
- https://www.drugs.com/noxafil.html
