Posaconazole is an antifungal medication suitable for use in patients with compromised immune systems. These patients are more at risk of fungal infections and less able to fight them effectively. A doctor can prescribe posaconazole to treat a variety of fungal infections and the patient will need to attend regular appointments to follow up and make sure the medication was effective. Pharmacies usually carry or can order this medication for filling prescriptions.
This antifungal works by attacking the cell membrane of the fungus, inhibiting fungal growth. Drug companies produce posaconazole in the form of an oral suspension taken by mouth with or shortly after meals. The medication is much more effective when taken with food. When a patient cannot eat, the drug should be taken with a nutritional shake. Patients who are not receiving oral nutrition may need to consider another antifungal medication, and people who frequently vomit may not receive the full benefit of posaconazole. In these patients, doctors will check for breakthrough infections to make sure the drug is working effectively.
Patients on this drug often experience dizziness and may feel slightly nauseous after taking the medication. It also interacts poorly with a number of other prescription drugs. When a doctor prescribes posaconazole, patients should go over their medical records and discuss all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal medications. It may be necessary to adjust the patient's drug regimen to accommodate the posaconazole, or to prescribe a different antifungal. Women using hormonal birth control should be aware that posaconazole can make their birth control less effective.
Symptoms of a fungal infection should decrease while the patient is on this medication. If the patient's symptoms do not resolve or appear to grow worse, the posaconazole is not effective and the patient needs to be switched to a different drug. The development of side effects like difficulty breathing, hives, and rash can be a sign of an allergic reaction to the drug. If these appear, the patient should stop taking the drug and call a doctor.
Patients should store their medication in a cool, dry place, taking care to shake the bottle before dispensing. The pharmacist usually provides a dosing spoon and patients should always wash and dry the spoon after use. If the solution appears discolored, thickened, or chunky, the patient should discard it. Pharmacists can add flavoring if patients have trouble with the taste.
