Paracoccidioidomycosis medical therapy

Pharmacologic medical therapy is indicated in paracoccidioidomycosis. The preferred regimens for both mild and moderate-to-severe include antifungals either azoles (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole) or amphotericin B and antimicrobials such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.^[1]

• Paracoccidioidomycosis^[2]

• Preferred regimen (1):

• Adults: Itraconazole 200 mg/day PO
• Children: Itraconazole (<30/kg and >5 yr) 5-10 mg/kg/day PO
• Note: Treatment duration based on organ involvement:

• Mild involvement: 6-9 months
• Moderate involvement: 12-18 months

• Preferred regimen (2)

• Adults: Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) TMP: 160-240 mg/day PO/IV, SMX: 800-1200 mg/day PO/IV bid
• Children: Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) TMP: 8-10 mg/kg PO/IV, SMX: 40-50 mg/kg PO/IV, bid
• Note (1): Treatment duration based on organ involvement:

• Minor involvement: 12 months
• Moderate involvement: 18-24 months

• Note (2): Preferred treatment in children due to larger experience.
• Note (3): Preferred in IV formulation in severe forms of the disease – 2 ampules IV tid until patient condition improves so that oral medication can be given.

• Preferred regimen (3): Amphotericin B deoxycholate 1 mg/kg/day IV until patient improves and can be treated by the oral route.

• Note: Preferred in severe forms of the disease.

• Alternative regimen (4): Ketoconazole 200-400 mg/day PO for 9-12 months
• Alternative regimen (5): Voriconazole initial dose 400 mg PO/IV q12h for one day, then 200 mg q12h for 6 months^[3]

• Note: Diminish the dose to 50% if weight is <40 kg.