GENERIC NAME: ITRACONAZOLE - ORAL (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. This drug should not be used to treat fungal nail infections if you have heart disease (congestive heart failure). Itraconazole may infrequently cause or worsen congestive heart failure. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of these serious side effects: swelling of the feet/ankles, sudden weight gain, or trouble breathing. Consult your doctor before starting this medication.

USES: This medication is used to treat certain fungal infections.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with food exactly as directed on your prescription label. The capsule and liquid forms of this drug are not interchangeable. Consult your pharmacist. This medication is usually taken once or twice a day. For best results, take each dose at evenly spaced intervals around the clock. This will ensure a constant level of medication in your blood. Because antacids may interfere with absorption of itraconazole into your bloodstream, take antacids one hour before or two hours after this medication. Take itraconazole with a cola drink if you have low stomach acid (achlorhydria) or if you are also taking stomach acid reducers. (Also see Drug Interactions section) Another dosing method involves taking this medication for one week each month until therapy is completed. Take this medication for the full time prescribed. Stopping therapy too soon may result in reinfection. Contact your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

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