Itraconazole (By Mouth)

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

Treats serious 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 or any other antifungal medicines such as fluconazole or ketoconazole. You should not use itraconazole while you are also using cisapride (Propulsid®), dofetilide (Tikosyn®), midazolam (Versed®), pimozide (Orap®), quinidine (Quinaglute®, Quinidex®), triazolam (Halcion®), or medicine to lower cholesterol (such as Baycol®, Lipitor®, Mevacor®, Zocor®). This medicine is not for treating toenail infections (onychomycosis) in pregnant women or people who have certain heart problems.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Sporanox® oral liquid is stronger 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 a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take 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 at room temperature, away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

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:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, asthma or other lung problems, or HIV infection (AIDS).
• 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.

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.
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Cold sweat, bluish-colored skin
• Swelling in the face, hands, ankles, or feet
• Trouble breathing

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

• Cough, runny or stuffy nose
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Mild skin rash
• Tiredness

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