This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Itraconazole Consumer Information
ITRACONAZOLE
Generic Name: itraconazole (ih tra CAW nah zole)
Brand Names: Sporanox
What is the most important information I should know about itraconazole?
- Do not take itraconazole if you are taking astemizole (Hismanal), cisapride (Propulsid), pimozide (Orap), triazolam (Halcion), midazolam (Versed), lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), or quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinora, Quinidex, Quinaglute, Quin-Release, Quin-G). Combined with these drugs, itraconazole could cause serious, even fatal, problems.
- In rare cases, itraconazole has caused severe liver damage, sometimes resulting in death. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, or clay colored stools. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage.
- In rare cases, itraconazole has been associated with the onset of congestive heart failure (CHF). Do not take itraconazole without first talking to your doctor if you have CHF or a history of CHF; other heart or heart valve disease; a lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; or significant swelling or water retention (edema). Contact your doctor if you develop symptoms that may indicate CHF including shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling during treatment with itraconazole.
- Take all of the itraconazole that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.
What is itraconazole?
- Itraconazole is an antifungal medication. It is like an antibiotic but is used to treat fungal infections.
- Itraconazole is used to treat fungal infections in the lungs, in the central nervous system, in other parts of the body, as well as serious fungal infections of the skin and nails. The itraconazole oral solution is used to treat yeast infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.
- Itraconazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking itraconazole?
- Do not take itraconazole if you are taking any of the following drugs:
- astemizole (Hismanal);
- cisapride (Propulsid);
- pimozide (Orap);
- quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinora, Quinidex, Quinaglute, Quin-Release, Quin-G);
- midazolam (Versed) or triazolam (Halcion); or
- lovastatin (Mevacor) or simvastatin (Zocor).
- Dangerous or life-threatening events may occur if itraconazole is taken with any of the medicines listed above.
- In rare cases, itraconazole has been associated with the onset of congestive heart failure (CHF). Do not take itraconazole without first talking to your doctor if you have CHF or a history of CHF; other heart or heart valve disease; a lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; or significant swelling or water retention (edema). Contact your doctor if you develop symptoms that may indicate CHF including shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling during treatment with itraconazole.
- Before taking itraconazole, tell your doctor if you have
- liver disease; or
- achlorhydria (decreased stomach acid production) or if you take antacids, stomach acid reducers, or stomach ulcer medicines.
- You may not be able to take itraconazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment, special monitoring, or special directions for use during your treatment.
- Itraconazole is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether itraconazole will be harmful to an unborn baby. Effective contraception is recommended for any woman who could potentially become pregnant during treatment with itraconazole and for 2 months following the end of treatment. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- Itraconazole passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take itraconazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take itraconazole?
- Take itraconazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each capsule with a full glass of water.
- Take itraconazole capsules after a full meal to increase absorption in your stomach.
- To treat yeast infections of the mouth, throat, or esophagus, the oral solution should be swished vigorously in the mouth for several seconds, then swallowed. Take the oral solution without food if possible.
- Itraconazole capsules and oral solution are different preparations and cannot be used interchangeably.
- Take all of the itraconazole that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with itraconazole. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
- Store itraconazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of an itraconazole overdose are not well known but might include dizziness, ringing in the ears, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
What should I avoid while taking itraconazole?
- Use alcohol with moderation while taking itraconazole. Alcohol and itraconazole can both affect the liver.
- Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities. Itraconazole may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with itraconazole. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
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