Itraconazole

Uses

Itraconazole is an antifungal medication used primarily to treat fungal and yeast infections.

Itraconazole (Trade name: Sporanox ) is an antifungal medication used to treat tinea infections (Dermaphytes), candida and malassezia (yeast) infections, and other fungal infections like histoplasma, aspergillus, coccidiodomycosis, chromoblastomycosis. It is also sometimes used for inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis. It works by slowing the growth of fungi that cause infection, but has a broader spectrum of activity than another antifungal, fluconazole.

Dosing

Itraconazole is available as capsules or as an oral solution. The dose is 200 mg once a day, to 400 mg in severe infection. It's typically taken on an empty stomach once or twice a day for 1 to 4 weeks or longer, depending on what it's prescribed to treat. There is also an intravenous preparation available. Continue to take itraconazole until your doctor tells you to stop even if you feel better; if you stop too soon, the infection may return.

Side Effects

Itraconazole is generally well tolerated. Side effects are mild and not common, though the risks of side effects increase the longer you take it. They might include nausea and vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, abnormal liver function tests, allergic skin rash including urticaria, enlarged breasts (in males) and adrenal suppression, tingling in the fingers and toes (very rare), or congestive heart failure. If you have a problem with any of the following side effects, or if they persist, notify your doctor immediately: abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine or pale stool.

Notes of Precaution

Certain medications should not be taken with Itraconazole, including but not limited to cisapride, dofetilide, nisoldipine, pimozide, quinidine, lovastatin, simvastatin, midazolam, or triazolam. Notify your doctor of any medications you are on.

Notify your doctor if you are allergic to Itraconazole, other antifungal medications, or any other medications.

Because itraconazole may stay in your body for several months after you stop taking it, notify your doctor if you begin to use any other medications even if you have discontinued use of itraconazole.

If you take an antacid, do so one to two hours before taking itraconazole.

Do not take itraconazole if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

* Store itraconazole at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.