GENERIC NAME: itraconazole

BRAND NAME: Sporanox

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Itraconazole is a drug used in the treatment of fungal infections, such as aspergillosis, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and fungal infection localized to the toenails and fingernails (onychomycosis).

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: no

PREPARATIONS: Capsule 100 mg.

STORAGE: Itraconazole should be stored at room temperature in a tight container. Protect from light and moisture.

PRESCRIBED FOR: The treatment of fungal infections which are isolated to a small area of the body (localized) or throughout the body (systemic). It is active against fungal infections such as aspergillosis, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and fungal infection localized to the toenails and fingernails (onychomycosis).

DOSING: Should be taken with a full meal. It is important to report any signs or symptoms that may suggest liver dysfunction so that the appropriate laboratory testing can be done. These signs include unusual fatigue, poor appetite, nausea and/or vomiting, yellowing of the eyes (jaundice), dark urine or pale stool.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Liver tests are monitored periodically in most patients, especially if receiving continuous treatment for more than one month. Itraconazole is used with caution in any patient with liver dysfunction.

The use of itraconazole in children is not recommended because it's safety has not been established.

Itraconazole is not used with following medications: terfenadine (Seldane), cisapride (Propulsid), astemizole (Hismanal), triazolam (Halcion) or midazolam (Versed).

PREGNANCY: There are no studies in pregnant women. Therefore, itraconazole is used for the treatment of systemic fungal infections in pregnancy only if it is felt that the benefit outweighs the potential risk. Itraconazole is not, however, used for the treatment of isolated onychomycosis (local fungal nail infections) in pregnant women or for those contemplating pregnancy.

NURSING MOTHERS: Itraconazole is excreted in human milk and therefore should not be administered to nursing women.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of itraconazole are minor and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, edema, fatigue, dizziness. Less common but more serious side effects are liver enzyme elevation, hepatitis, and high blood pressure (hypertension).

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Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997