Indications
Noxafil is an antifungal medication used to treat or prevent certain types of fungal infections. It contains the active ingredient posaconazole. The active ingredient in Noxafil, posaconazole, is an antifungal medicine that belongs to the triazole group. It works by preventing the formation of ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. By inhibiting the formation of ergosterol, posaconazole disrupts the cell membrane of the fungus, leading to its death.
Noxafil is used to treat fungal infections caused by Candida or Aspergillus, both of which can cause serious infections in people with compromised immune systems or medical conditions that weaken the immune system. Noxafil is available with a prescription and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It is also available in delayed-release tablets, and oral suspension.
Uses and Dosage
Posaconazole is available in two forms: Noxafil Oral Suspension and Posaconazole Modified Release Tablet. Your doctor will direct you to take either form once a day by mouth with or without food. To use Posaconazole Modified Release Tablets, take the tablet orally by mouth with or without food as prescribed by your doctor. Make sure not to crush or chew the tablet, unless it has a score line, and your doctor or pharmacist instructs you to do so. Swallow the whole tablet, keeping it intact.
The duration of treatment depends on your medical condition. The tablet and suspension forms of posaconazole may contain different amounts of medication. Do not switch between these forms without your doctor's approval and instructions. If you experience severe diarrhea or vomiting, inform your doctor as the medication may not be as effective in such circumstances.
Take the medicine at evenly spaced intervals to ensure a consistent level of the drug in your body. The length of the treatment will depend on your medical condition, which will be determined by your doctor. In case you experience severe diarrhea or vomiting, contact your doctor as the medication may not be as effective in such situations.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Noxafil (Posaconazole):
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Headache
- Low potassium (an electrolyte)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Noxafil (Posaconazole):
- Choking feeling
- Constipation
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Fast or pounding heartbeats
- Feeling jittery
- Fluttering in your chest
- Hives
- Increased thirst or urination
- Irregular heartbeats
- Itching
- Leg cramps
- Muscle spasms or contractions
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Numbness or tingling
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden dizziness
- Swelling in an arm or leg
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Tiredness
- Vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Form and Strength
Noxafil (Posaconazole) is available in the following forms and strength:
Posaconazole: Modified Release Tablet
- 100 mg
Caution
- Caution should be exercised when prescribing Noxafil to patients with hepatic impairment, as it is primarily metabolized in the liver.
- Noxafil injection should be administered with caution in patients with a central venous catheter. If a catheter is not available, Noxafil injection should not be given.
- Noxafil may interact with other medications. Patients should discuss all medications they are taking with their healthcare provider before taking Noxafil.
- Noxafil can cause side effects, including headache, fever, and nausea. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.
- Noxafil is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should discuss the risks and benefits of taking Noxafil with their healthcare provider.
- Noxafil can increase the risk of a potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorder known as QT prolongation. Patients with a history of QT prolongation or who are taking other medications that can cause QT prolongation should be cautious when taking Noxafil.
- Noxafil may increase the risk of liver damage or liver failure, especially in patients with pre-existing liver disease or who are taking other medications that can affect the liver.
- Noxafil may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as skin cancer or lymphoma. Patients should report any unusual skin growths or moles to their healthcare provider.
- Noxafil may affect the way the body responds to certain vaccines. Patients should discuss any upcoming vaccinations with their healthcare provider before starting Noxafil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Noxafil safe for children?
Noxafil is not recommended for use in children under the age of 13, as the safety and efficacy of the medication in this population have not been established.
When is the best time to take posaconazole?
Posaconazole treats fungal infections within your body. If you have been supplied with tablets, you can take your doses before or after meals. If you have been supplied with liquid medicine, try to take each dose with a snack or straight after a meal.
Does posaconazole affect the heart?
Noxafil can cause changes in heart rhythms, including QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Check with your doctor right away if you have chest pain or discomfort, fainting, irregular or slow heart rate, or trouble breathing.
How often do you check posaconazole levels?
The first level should be drawn on Day 5-7 (steady state). Follow-up levels may be performed once monthly.
Resources
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-145150-1598/noxafil-oral/posaconazole-delayed-release-oral/details
- https://www.drugs.com/noxafil.html
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=b073b082-7b57-4423-8c06-4fd4263d6f84
- https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/n/noxafil/noxafil_ppi.pdf
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/022003s018s020,0205053s002s004,0205596s001s003lbl.pdf
- https://www.rxlist.com/noxafil-drug.htm
REVIEWS