Posaconazole

Posaconazole (Noxafil) is an anti-fungal drug that can be used to treat a wide range of fungal infections. It is available as an oral suspension and is manufactured by Schering-Plough. It was approved in the European Union in October 2005.

Posaconazole is an effective treatment for thrush in the mouth in patients with HIV or AIDS. A recent study has shown that is as effective as the standard systemic drug fluconazole (Diflucan) but that it has a lower risk of relapse.1 It may also be effective for cryptococcal meningitis and other fungal infections of the brain and spinal cord.2

References

  1. Vazquez JA et al. A multicentre randomized trial evaluating posaconazole versus fluconazole for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis in subjects with HIV / AIDS. Clin Infect Dis 42: 1179-1186, 2006
  2. Pitisuttithum P et al. Activity of posaconazole in the treatment of central nervous system fungal infections. J Antimicrob Chemother 56: 745-755, 2005

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