Validation of an LC Method for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Voriconazole in Patients

Voriconazole (VRC), (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(5fluoro-4-pyrimidinyl)-1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-2-butanol)) is a triazole antifungal derived from the structure of fluconazole (Perea et al., 2000). Compared to fluconazole, voriconazole has an enhanced antifungal spectrum with activity against Aspergillus, Candida, Scedosporium and Fusarium species (Cuenca-Estrella et al., 1998; Espinel-Ingroff et al., 1998; Chandrasekar et al., 2001; Espinel-Ingroff et al., 2001; EspinelIngroff et al., 2007; Clancy et al., 1998; McGinnis et al., 1998; Perfect et al., 2003). Voriconazole, like other azole antifungals, alters the cell membrane function and permeability, resulting in cell dysfunction and growth arrest (Como et al., 1994; Borgers et al., 1980).