Skip to content

Antifungal (triazole)

Posaconazole: uses, side effects & precautions

Also known as Noxafil, Posaconazole.

Esta información es solo orientativa de carácter general y no constituye un consejo médico. Consulta siempre a un profesional sanitario cualificado para cualquier asunto médico personal. En caso de emergencia, llama al número de emergencias de tu zona.

What it is used for

  • Prevention of invasive fungal infections in people with very weak immune systems
  • Treatment of serious fungal infections such as invasive aspergillosis
  • Fungal infections that have not responded to other antifungals

How it works

Posaconazole blocks an enzyme fungi need to build their cell membrane, stopping fungal growth and killing the fungus. It is a broad-spectrum antifungal used mainly to prevent or treat serious infections in people at high risk, such as those having intensive cancer treatment or transplants.

How it is taken

Comes as modified-release tablets, an oral liquid/suspension, and an injection given in hospital; the tablet and liquid are absorbed differently and are not interchangeable. The liquid is usually taken with food to aid absorption. Take it exactly as your specialist directs and attend the blood tests they arrange, as drug levels and liver function may be checked.

No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.

Common side effects

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Changes in blood salts such as low potassium

Serious effects — get help

  • Signs of liver problems (yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe tiredness)
  • Heart-rhythm changes (palpitations, fainting)
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Dangerous changes in blood salts

If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.

Interactions to watch

  • Many medicines interact with posaconazole, including some statins, sedatives, heart-rhythm drugs, and other medicines processed by the liver
  • Acid-reducing medicines can lower absorption of the liquid form
  • Tell your specialist about every medicine, supplement, and herbal product

Who should take care

  • Tell your doctor about liver problems or any heart-rhythm disorder
  • Take the liquid with food for the best absorption
  • Blood-level monitoring may be used to guide dosing
  • Use in pregnancy is generally avoided unless essential
  • Mention any previous reaction to antifungal medicines

Frequently asked questions

What is posaconazole mainly used for?
It is used to prevent and treat serious fungal infections, especially in people whose immune systems are very weak, such as during certain cancer treatments or after transplant.
Why are the tablet and liquid not the same?
They are absorbed differently, so the dose and timing differ and they cannot be swapped without specialist instruction. Always use the exact form prescribed.
Should I take it with food?
The liquid is usually taken with food, ideally a fatty meal, to help absorption. Follow the specific instructions for your form from your specialist.
Why might my heart be checked?
Like some other antifungals it can affect heart rhythm, so your team may check this and your blood salts, especially alongside other medicines.
Is Posaconazole safe to take?
For most people it is safe when taken exactly as a doctor or pharmacist advises and as printed on the label. Tell your clinician about your other medicines and health conditions, and seek urgent care for any serious reaction.

Related medicines

See a doctor online now