Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: ITRACONAZOLE - ORAL SOLUTION (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: Itraconazole is used to treat certain fungal infections, including those of the mouth and esophagus (oral/esophageal candidiasis).

HOW TO USE: This medication is best taken without food if possible. Consult your doctor. Itraconazole is usually taken once or twice a day. When used to treat fungal infections of the mouth, throat or esophagus (candidiasis), swish the solution in your mouth (about two teaspoonfuls at a time) for several seconds, then swallow. For best results, take each dose at evenly spaced intervals around the clock. This will ensure a constant level of medication in your body. The capsule and liquid forms of this drug are not interchangeable. Consult your pharmacist. 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. In some situations, therapy with this medication may be continued for at least 3 months to ensure the infection is gone. Take this medication for the full time prescribed. Stopping therapy too soon may result in reinfection. You should notice improvement within 4 weeks. Contact your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.