Key takeaways
Voriconazole (Vfend) and fluconazole (Diflucan) are both azole antifungals, but they have some key differences. Voriconazole is used to treat more serious fungal infections like invasive aspergillosis and esophageal candidiasis, while fluconazole is commonly used for Candida infections such as vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush. Voriconazole is typically started as an intravenous infusion in a hospital setting before switching to oral forms, whereas fluconazole is often taken as a single oral dose for vaginal yeast infections or daily for other infections. Voriconazole tends to have more side effects, including vision changes and skin sensitivity to light, and it interacts with more medications compared to fluconazole. Additionally, voriconazole is not recommended during pregnancy due to the risk of severe developmental problems in babies, while fluconazole is generally avoided, and only a single dose is allowed for vaginal candidiasis even when used. Both medications can cause liver damage, so you should avoid alcohol while taking them.
