Voriconazole in the treatment of invasive fungal infections.
Fungal infections in immunocompromised patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are a major cause of mortality and morbidity and can lead to extended stays on the ICU. New antifungal drugs have been developed to increase treatment options to improve the clinical outcome. This article reviews the clinical efficacy, side effect profile, dosing and administration schedule of voriconazole, a recently launched second generation triazole. The article also discusses the warnings and precautions associated with the use of this drug. Voriconazole is an effective treatment option in the management of fungal infections.
Women and Children's Services, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK. simon.keady@uclh.nhs.uk
Simon
S
Keady
Meera
M
Thacker
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003422:Critical Care; D004347:Drug Interactions; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D018579:Patient Selection; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014230:Triazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D065819:Voriconazole
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D011743:Pyrimidines; D014230:Triazoles; D065819:Voriconazole