Sporanox Capsules

Brand Names: Sporanox Capsules

Common Name: itraconazole

What is this drug used for?

Itraconazole belongs to the family of medications called antifungals. It is used to treat certain types of fungal infections, both internally (inside the body) and externally (skin and nails). It works by preventing the fungus from growing.

Itraconazole solution is used specifically for treatment of fungus (candidiasis) occurring in the mouth or esophagus (the tube leading from the throat to the opening of the stomach) in people infected with HIV or in people whose natural defences against infections are depleted.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

Itraconazole should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to itraconazole or any of the ingredients of the medication - caution should be used by those taking itraconazole who are allergic to other "aoles" such as ketoconazole
• is pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• is using this medication to treat onychomycosis (fungal nail infections) or dermatomycoses (fungal skin infections; tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea pedis, pityriasis versicolor)
• has a history of heart failure (including congestive heart failure) - itraconazole capsules may be used to treat other more serious types of fungal infections in people who have or have had a heart failure when the benefit of treatment clearly outweighs the risk.

What about possible side effects?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

Less common:

• constipation
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• nausea
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common:

• fever and chills
• skin rash and itching

Rare:

• dark or amber urine
• fever and sore throat
• loss of appetite
• pale stools
• reddening, blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin and mucous membranes
• stomach pain
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellow eyes or skin

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

What if I am taking other drugs?

There may be an interaction between itraconazole and any of the following:

alfentanil amiodarone antacids astemizole atorvastatin benzodiazepines (alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, clorazepate, diazepam, flurazepam, midazolam) birth control pills bretylium buspirone busulfan carbamazepine cisapride clarithromycin cyclosporin diabetes medications didanosine digoxin docetaxel erythromycin felodipine fluvastatin H2-receptor antagonists (e.g., cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, ranitidine) ibutilide indinavir isoniazid israpidine lovastatin

methylprednisolone nevirapine nicardipine nifedipine nisoldipine phenytoin phenobarbital pimozide pravastatin prednisolone prednisone proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole) quinidine rifabutin rifampin ritonavir saquinavir simvastatin sirolimus tacrolimus terfenadine tolterodine triazolam trimetrexate verapamil vinblastine vincristine warfarin zolpidem

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Other information:

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Capsules and solution: Itraconazole capsules and oral solution should not be used interchangeably. When the same dose of medication is given, the exposure to the itraconazole is greater with the oral solution than with the capsules.

Decreased stomach acidity: Absorption of itraconazole is reduced when stomach acidity is decreased. For people also taking antacids (e.g., aluminum hydroxide), these should be taken at least 2 hours after itraconazole. In people with achlorhydria (decreased stomach acidity), such as certain AIDS patients or people on acid secretion suppressors (e.g., H2-antagonists such as ranitidine or proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole), it is advisable to take itraconazole with a cola beverage.

Heart failure: People who have risk factors for heart failure should talk with their doctor about the risks and benefits of using itraconazole capsules to treat any type of fungal infection.

Liver function: For treatment with itraconazole longer than 30 days, your doctor will order lab tests to monitor liver function. Although serious liver reactions have been rare, contact your doctor if you notice signs of liver problems such as unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools.

Liver and kidney problems: People with liver or kidney problems should be cautious about using this medication.

Pregnancy: Women who may become pregnant must use an effective form of birth control during therapy and for 2 menstrual cycles (2 months) after stopping therapy with itraconazole. Itraconazole should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the potential risk. It should not be used for the treatment of onychomycoses (fungal nail infections) or dermatomycoses (fungal skin infections) in women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Breast-feeding: Itraconazole passes into breast milk. Women should not breast-feed while taking itraconazole.

Children: The efficacy and safety of itraconazole have not been established for use by children.

Special Instructions:

Tablets: The recommended adult dose of itraconazole capsules ranges from 100 mg once daily after a full meal to 200 mg twice daily after meals, depending on the condition being treated. The length of treatment also depends on the condition being treated. Itraconazole capsules should be taken right after a full meal.

Solution: The dose of oral solution depends on the condition being treated. The usual recommended dose ranges from 100 mg to 200 mg daily. Swish the solution in the mouth and swallow. Do not rinse after swallowing so that the medication can stay in contact with the affected area as long as possible. The oral solution is best taken without food. Grapefruit juice may reduce the effectiveness of itraconazole.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

This medication is available under multiple brand names and in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

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