Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: ITRACONAZOLE - INJECTABLE (eye-truh-CON-uh-zole)

BRAND NAME(S): Sporanox

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Itraconazole must not be used with certain medications because very serious, possibly fatal reactions such as irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) may occur: cisapride, quinidine, pimozide, dofetilide, levacetylmethadol. Itraconazole blocks the breakdown of these medications by the liver (via cytochrome P450 3A4) causing buildup of these drugs in your body. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting itraconazole. Itraconazole may infrequently cause or worsen certain heart conditions (congestive heart failure). Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these serious side effects: swelling of the feet/ankles, sudden weight gain, or trouble breathing.

USES: Itraconazole injection is used to treat serious fungal infections. It is used in people who cannot take the oral form of this drug.

HOW TO USE: Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. If you have questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist. Give this medication by vein (IV) over 1 hour in a saline (NS) solution usually once or twice daily; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage and length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Antifungals work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, give/use this drug at evenly spaced intervals. Continue to use this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Do not mix this drug in a dextrose-containing (e.g., D5W) or a Lactated Ringer's solution. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist. When you are able to tolerate oral medication, your doctor may change your treatment to an oral form of this drug (e.g., capsules, oral solution). The capsules and oral solutions are not interchangeable. Consult your pharmacist.