Side Effects of voriconazole: A Synthesis of Findings from 19 Studies

  1. Home
  2. Side Effects of voriconazole
This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Side Effects of voriconazole: A Synthesis of Findings from 19 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.

This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. If you have concerns about "Side Effects of voriconazole: A Synthesis of Findings from 19 Studies", please consult your doctor.

For NLM copyright information, please see Link to NLM Copyright Page
PubMed data is obtained via Hugging Face Datasets: Link to DatasetPlease check the disclaimer.
This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Voriconazole is a commonly prescribed antifungal medication used to treat serious fungal infections, such as invasive aspergillosis. 5 While effective, voriconazole can have various side effects, including hepatotoxicity, visual disturbances, and skin reactions. 16 12 15 11 This highlights the importance of close monitoring and personalized dosing strategies to manage potential side effects effectively. 17 8

Reasons for Side Effects

The side effects of voriconazole are primarily attributed to its metabolism by liver enzymes, particularly cytochrome P450. 17 Variations in the gene encoding this enzyme, particularly prevalent in East Asian populations, can influence how voriconazole is processed and increase the risk of adverse effects. 17 Additionally, voriconazole can interact with other medications, potentially exacerbating side effects. 14

Common Side Effects

Hepatotoxicity

One of the most concerning side effects of voriconazole is hepatotoxicity, meaning damage to the liver. 12 This can manifest as elevated liver enzyme levels, such as AST and ALT. 17 12

Visual Disturbances

Voriconazole can cause transient visual disturbances, such as blurred vision, decreased visual acuity, or changes in color perception. 4 These effects are thought to arise from the inhibition of TRPM1 and TRPM3 channels in the retina, which play a role in visual signal transduction. 4

Skin Side Effects

Skin reactions are another common side effect of voriconazole. These can include photosensitivity, leading to increased sun sensitivity and a higher risk of sunburn. 15 In rare cases, prolonged voriconazole use has been linked to the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), especially in immunocompromised individuals. 16

Cardiac Side Effects

Voriconazole can prolong the QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG), which is a measure of the electrical activity of the heart. 9 QT prolongation can increase the risk of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). 9

Other Side Effects

Voriconazole can also cause a range of other side effects, including myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder), breathing difficulties, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, weakness, rash, and itching. 19 11

Managing Side Effects

Managing Hepatotoxicity

Regular monitoring of liver function tests is essential for detecting and managing hepatotoxicity. 17 If liver enzyme levels become significantly elevated, voriconazole may need to be discontinued or the dosage adjusted. 17

Managing Visual Disturbances

Regular eye examinations are recommended for patients taking voriconazole to detect any visual changes. 4 If significant visual disturbances occur, a change in medication or dose may be necessary. 4

Managing Skin Side Effects

Protecting the skin from sun exposure is crucial. 15 This includes using sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure. 15 It’s also important to be vigilant for any new or unusual skin changes.

Managing Cardiac Side Effects

Regular ECG monitoring is recommended for patients taking voriconazole, especially those with a history of heart problems. 9 If QT prolongation is detected, the dosage of voriconazole may need to be adjusted or alternative antifungal treatments considered. 9

Comparing Studies

Commonalities Among Studies

Multiple studies consistently highlight the potential for voriconazole to cause adverse effects on various organs, including the liver, skin, and heart. 4 16 12 15 9 All these studies underscore the crucial need for close monitoring and careful management to minimize the risk of side effects. 17

Differences Among Studies

Research on voriconazole side effects varies in terms of study design, target populations, and focus. 16 12 9 Some studies concentrate on specific side effects like hepatotoxicity or visual disturbances. 4 17 12 Others explore the association between voriconazole and skin or cardiac side effects. 16 15 9 It is essential to consider these diverse findings collectively for a comprehensive understanding of voriconazole's side effect profile. 17

Real-Life Implications and Cautions

While voriconazole remains a valuable treatment for serious fungal infections, it's essential to be aware of its potential for side effects. 17 If you are taking voriconazole, follow your doctor's instructions carefully and attend all scheduled appointments for monitoring. 17 Be sure to inform your doctor about any changes in your health, including any new or worsening symptoms. 17

Limitations of Current Research

While a substantial body of research exists on voriconazole's side effects, there are still gaps in our knowledge. 17 Further research is needed to more fully understand the risk factors, prevention strategies, and management of voriconazole-induced side effects. 17

Future Research Directions

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of voriconazole's side effect profile, future research should focus on several key areas. 17 This includes investigating the underlying mechanisms of these effects, identifying specific risk factors, and exploring novel approaches for prevention and treatment. 17

Conclusion

Voriconazole remains an essential treatment option for serious fungal infections, but its potential for side effects must be recognized and managed effectively. 17 Close monitoring, personalized dosing strategies, and open communication with healthcare providers are crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes while minimizing the risk of complications. 17

Literature analysis of 19 papers
Positive Content
15
Neutral Content
0
Negative Content
4
Article Type
0
3
3
4
19
1.

Vigabatrin for refractory partial epilepsy.

Author: HemmingKarla, MaguireMelissa J, HuttonJane L, MarsonAnthony G

Epilepsy treatment
Visual field constriction

Vigabatrin, an antiepileptic drug for refractory epilepsy, is generally well-tolerated. However, long-term use has been associated with asymptomatic visual field constriction, highlighting the need for monitoring during treatment.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

2.

Vigabatrin for refractory partial epilepsy.

Author: HemmingKarla, MaguireMelissa J, HuttonJane L, MarsonAnthony G

Refractory epilepsy treatment
Visual field constriction

Vigabatrin is an antiepileptic drug that is used for the treatment of refractory epilepsy. Although vigabatrin is generally well tolerated, it can cause asymptomatic visual field constriction.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

3.

Oral voriconazole therapy in cats with histoplasmosis yielded mild side effects and a favorable outcome.

Author: EasterwoodLoren F, HarkinKenneth R, RankinAmy J

Histoplasmosis treatment

This study reported the clinical response, duration of therapy, side effects, and outcome in cats with histoplasmosis treated with voriconazole.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

4.

Voriconazole, an antifungal triazol that causes visual side effects, is an inhibitor of TRPM1 and TRPM3 channels.

Author: XiongWei-Hong, BrownR Lane, ReedBrian, BurkeNeal S, DuvoisinRobert M, MorgansCatherine W

Neurological effects
Visual disturbances

Voriconazole, an antifungal triazole, attenuates the b-wave of the electroretinogram (ERG) by blocking TRPM1 channels in retinal ON-bipolar cells. Other neurological effects of voriconazole may be due to block of TRPM3 channels expressed in the brain.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

7.

[Recurrent tinea corporis generalisata due to Terbinafine-resistant Trichophyton rubrum strain : Long-term treatment with super bioavailability itraconazole].

Author: NenoffPietro, StahlMaren, SchallerMartin, BurmesterAnke, MonodMichel, EbertAndreas, UhrlaßSilke

Itraconazole efficacy
Tinea corporis treatment
Itraconazole side effects
Terbinafine resistance

This case report describes the treatment of a patient with recurrent and therapy-refractory dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum. The patient developed terbinafine resistance, confirmed by in vitro testing and sequencing of the squalene epoxidase gene. Itraconazole, in the form of SUBA itraconazole, was ultimately successful in suppressing the dermatophytosis.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : German

8.

Optimal timing for therapeutic drug monitoring of voriconazole to prevent adverse effects in Japanese patients.

Author: HanaiYuki, UedaTakashi, HamadaYukihiro, OdaKazutaka, TakahashiYoshiko, NakajimaKazuhiko, MiyazakiYoshitsugu, KiriyamaMone, UekusaShusuke, MatsuoKazuhiro, MatsumotoKazuaki, KimuraToshimi, TakesueYoshio

Early dose optimization
Hepatotoxicity prevention
High voriconazole levels

TDM on days 3-5 can prevent hepatotoxicity in Japanese patients receiving voriconazole. Subsequent TDM may be necessary due to a possible further increase in C

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

9.

Assessing the safety profile of voriconazole use in suspected COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis-a two-centre observational study.

Author: Costa-PintoRahul, KlinkSarah, RotherhamHannah, PereraPadeepa, FinlayLiam, UrbancicKaren, VazKarl, TrubianoJason, BellomoRinaldo

CAPA treatment
Cardiac toxicity
Liver toxicity

Voriconazole is a common antifungal medication used to treat suspected COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA), but its potential toxicity can be a concern. This study found no evidence of significant liver or cardiac toxicity associated with voriconazole use at the doses used in the study.

Observational Study, VeterinaryObservational studies involving animals. They observe and collect data on animals' natural behavior and medical conditions.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

10.

Quantitative determination of voriconazole by thionine reduction and its potential application in a pharmaceutical and clinical setting.

Author: LadettoMaría Florencia, Lázaro-MartínezJuan Manuel, DevotoTomás Brito, BriceñoVíctor J, CastroGuillermo R, CuestasMaría Luján

Toxic threshold detection
VCZ quantification
Severe toxic effects
Undesirable side effects

Voriconazole (VCZ) is an antifungal drug used to treat serious fungal infections. This study developed a simple, affordable spectrophotometric method for quantifying VCZ. This method can be used to monitor VCZ levels in patients, helping to avoid toxic effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

14.

Clinical Practice Guideline for the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Voriconazole in Non-Asian and Asian Adult Patients: Consensus Review by the Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and the Japanese Society of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring.

Author: TakesueYoshio, HanaiYuki, OdaKazutaka, HamadaYukihiro, UedaTakashi, MayumiToshihiko, MatsumotoKazuaki, FujiiSatoshi, TakahashiYoshiko, MiyazakiYoshitsugu, KimuraToshimi,

Adverse effect prevention
Hepatotoxicity
Supratherapeutic concentrations

A therapeutic drug monitoring guideline for voriconazole recommends routine monitoring for Asians due to their high rate of poor metabolizers. Therapeutic drug monitoring is generally recommended for non-Asians to address subtherapeutic concentrations.

Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

15.

Accelerated photocarcinogenesis and multifocal squamous cell carcinomas associated with voriconazole and human papillomavirus in HIV - case report.

Author: HaddadSalma, YounisIbby, BakkourWaseem, WatersLaura Jane, PerrettConal, RatynskaMarzena, BunkerChristopher B

Photocarcinogenesis

Voriconazole is an antifungal medication known to cause phototoxicity and photocarcinogenesis. A case study highlights a patient with HIV who developed HPV-related multifocal squamous cell carcinoma after long-term voriconazole use. This highlights the importance of awareness of the drug's photocarcinogenic effects, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

17.

Therapeutic drug monitoring and safety evaluation of voriconazole in the treatment of pulmonary fungal diseases.

Author: ShenKunlu, GuYu, WangYu, LuYajie, NiYueyan, ZhongHuanhiuan, ShiYi, SuXin

Hepatotoxicity

This study investigated the relationship between steady-state voriconazole trough concentration (C<sub>trough</sub>) and adverse effects (AEs), especially hepatotoxicity, in an East Asian population.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

18.

Outcomes and experiences of using oral voriconazole with or without concomitant topical agents to treat refractory vulvovaginal yeast infections.

Author: MorrisGeorgina Claire, DeanGillian, SoniSuneeta, SundaramSangeetha, FearnleyNicola, WilsonJanet Diane

Mycological cure
Headache
Nausea
Perioral tingling

Oral voriconazole was tolerated and completed by 10 out of 11 women with refractory vulvovaginal yeast infections (RVVYI). Eight women achieved mycological cure.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

19.

The Effects of Intravitreal Administration of Antifungal Drugs on the Structure and Mechanical Properties Peripheral Blood Erythrocyte Surface in Rabbits.

Author: StarodubtsevaMaria N, KarachrysafiSofia, ShkliaravaNastassia M, ChelnokovaIrina A, KavvadasDimitrios, PapadopoulouKyriaki, SamaraParaskevi, PapaliagkasVasileios, SiogaAntonia, KomnenouAnastasia, KarampatakisVasileios, PapamitsouTheodora

Fungal infection treatment
Erythrocyte damage

This study investigated the effects of intravitreal injection of antifungal agents on the structure and mechanical properties of red blood cells. The findings suggest that intravitreal injection of certain antifungals may have an impact on erythrocyte properties.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.