Itraconazole


DNX0564.HTM

Itraconazole (By mouth)
Itraconazole (i-tra-KOE-na-zole)

Treats fungal infections. This medicine is an antifungal antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):Sporanox
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to itraconazole. You should not use itraconazole while you are also using cisapride (Propulsid®), dofetilide (Tikosyn™), midazolam (Versed®), pimozide (Orap®), quinidine (Quinaglute®, Quinidex®), triazolam (Halcion®), or levacetylmethadol (levomethadyl, Orlaam®). You should not use itraconazole if you are using medicine to lower cholesterol, such as Baycol®, Lipitor®, lovastatin (Mevacor®), or simvastatin (Zocor®). You should not use itraconazole if you are taking an ergot medicine such as dihydroergotamine, ergometrine (ergonovine), ergotamine (Ergomar®), Migranal®, Methergine®, or Cafergot®. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant, if you are planning on becoming pregnant within two months after you have finished your treatment, or if you have a history of certain heart problems such as heart failure.

How to Use This Medicine:
Capsule, Liquid

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • Sporanox® oral liquid works differently than Sporanox® capsules, even at the same dose (number of milligrams). Do not switch from the capsules to the oral liquid unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Take the capsule just after eating a full meal.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. Swish the liquid in your mouth for several seconds and then swallow it.
  • Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon. It may take three months or longer for your infection to clear up completely. If you are taking this medicine for a nail infection, it may take even longer for you to see an improvement in your nail because it usually takes several months to grow new nails.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Certain drugs should not be used while using itraconazole. Using these drugs can cause very serious medical problems, heart problems, or even death.
  • There are many other drugs that can interact with itraconazole. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant while using this medicine, and for two months after finishing treatment. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you breast feeding, or if you have a history of heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, asthma or other lung problems, or HIV infection or AIDS. Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to any other antifungal medicines such as fluconazole or ketoconazole. Make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had problems with swelling anywhere in your body, or if you have any serious health condition.
  • Rarely, this medicine may cause severe liver problems. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have yellow skin or eyes, dark-colored urine, pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in the upper stomach. Tell your doctor if you have ever had liver problems caused by other medicines.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Chest pain, or a heartbeat that is fast, pounding, or uneven.
  • Cold sweat, new coughing, coughing up blood, or skin turning a bluish color.
  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bloating, or loss of appetite.
  • New or worsening numbness (loss of feeling) or tingling anywhere in your body.
  • Skin rash.
  • Sudden weight gain.
  • Swelling in the face, hands, ankles, or feet, with or without trouble breathing.
  • Trouble urinating, discomfort when urinating, or a change in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Unusual tiredness.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Cough, runny or stuffy nose.
  • Headache or dizziness.
  • Stomach upset, gas, diarrhea, or constipation.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.