What Is Noxafil Used For?

Noxafil contains posaconazole, an antifungal medicine that kills or stops the growth of fungi that cause infections. It’s specifically designed for serious fungal infections in patients with weakened immune systems.

Primary Uses

Noxafil treats invasive aspergillosis, fusariosis, zygomycosis, chromoblastomycosis, mycetoma, and coccidioidomycosis. The oral suspension also treats oropharyngeal candidiasis (mouth and throat fungal infections). It’s also used to prevent fungal infections in high-risk patients.

How It Works

Noxafil belongs to the triazole group of antifungals and works by killing or stopping the growth of fungi that can cause infections.

How to Take Noxafil

Never switch between the modified release tablets and oral suspension without talking to your doctor first. Always follow your doctor’s and pharmacist’s directions carefully.

Dosage Instructions

Oral Suspension: For invasive fungal infections – 10 mL twice daily. For oropharyngeal candidiasis – 5 mL once on first day, then 2.5 mL daily for 13 days. For prevention – 5 mL three times daily. Take with meals or nutritional supplements containing fat. Modified Release Tablets: Three tablets twice daily on first day, then three tablets once daily. May be taken with or without food. Swallow whole – don’t crush, chew, break, or dissolve.

What If You Miss a Dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue normally. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Loss of appetite
• Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting
• Stomach pain, diarrhea, gas
• Dry mouth, altered taste
• Sleeplessness, headache
• Dizziness, sleepiness
• Tingling in fingers or toes
• Hot flushes
• Raised blood pressure with low potassium
• Dry skin, rash, itchiness
• Back pain
• Fever

Important Warnings

Several important safety considerations apply when taking Noxafil, including allergies, medical conditions, and special populations.

Who Should Not Take Noxafil

Don’t use if you’re allergic to posaconazole or other triazole antifungals. Not recommended for children under 13 years old.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver problems, heart problems, or issues with potassium, magnesium, or calcium levels in your blood. Also mention allergies to other antifungal medicines like itraconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole, or ketoconazole.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Should not be taken during pregnancy unless indicated by your doctor. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while taking Noxafil and for 2 weeks after completing treatment. Continue contraception until your next period after finishing treatment. Should not be taken while breastfeeding as posaconazole may pass into breast milk.

Drug Interactions

Noxafil can interact with many medications, either increasing side effects or decreasing effectiveness. Some interactions can be dangerous.

• Terfenadine or astemizole (allergy medicines)
• Cisapride (stomach problems)
• Pimozide (mental disorders)
• Quinidine (irregular heartbeat)
• Ergotamine and dihydroergotamine (migraine)
• Halofantrine (malaria)
• Statins like simvastatin, lovastatin, atorvastatin (cholesterol)
• Rifabutin (tuberculosis)
• Phenytoin (seizures)
• Efavirenz and fosamprenavir (HIV)
• Stomach acid reducers like cimetidine, ranitidine, omeprazole
• Cancer medicines like vincristine, vinblastine
• Immune system medicines like cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus
• Benzodiazepines like midazolam
• Calcium channel blockers like diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil
• Digoxin (heart conditions)
• Diabetes medicines like glipizide
• HIV protease inhibitors
• Venetoclax (blood cancers)

Alcohol & Driving

Noxafil may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely due to potential side effects.

Alcohol

No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Noxafil may cause dizziness, sleepiness, or blurred vision. Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Noxafil affects you. If you experience these side effects, don’t drive or use tools or machines and contact your doctor.

Storage

Store Noxafil Oral Suspension in a cool, dry place below 25°C. Don’t freeze or expose to light. Store Modified Release Tablets below 30°C in original container. Don’t store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep all medicines where children cannot reach them.

Overdose Information

If you think you’ve taken too much Noxafil, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you don’t feel unwell.

Frequently Asked Questions