Vfend

Maker:
Pfizer

What it does:
Treats fungal infections, such as esophageal candidiasis

Traditional dosage:
For esophageal candidiasis, 200 mg in tablets or oral solution, every 12 hours, at least an hour before or after a meal. For other fungal infections, treatment starts with an intravenous infusion of 6 mg per kilogram of weight every 12 hours for the first 24 hours, followed by a maintenance dose of either 4 mg per kilogram of weight every 12 hours or 200 mg in tablets or oral solution every 12 hours. Duration of treatment varies according to the infection

Drug interactions, precautions, & recommendations:
Do not use with high-dose Norvir; use with caution with low-dose Norvir. Do not use with Saint-John’s-wort, ergot alkaloids, terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, quinidine, or rifabutin. Use with caution in patients with heart arrhythmias.

Side effects:
Most serious: severe liver problems, heart arrhythmias, visual disturbances Other: fever, nausea, rash, vomiting, chills, headache