Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: itraconazole
BRAND NAME: Sporanox
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Itraconazole is an anti-fungal drug in the
same class of drugs as fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and
miconazole (Micatin, Monistat). It prevents growth of several types of fungi by
preventing the fungi from producing the membranes that surround the fungal
cells. The FDA approved itraconazole in September 1992.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Capsule: 100 mg; Oral Solution: 10 mg/ml
STORAGE: Capsules should be stored at room temperature, 15-25 C
(59-77 F) and protected from light and moisture. Solution should be stored below
25 C (77 C) but not frozen.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Itraconazole is used for the treatment of fungal
infections in both HIV- and non-HIV-infected individuals. It is active against
fungal infections such as aspergillosis, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and candidiasis, as well as fungal infection localized to the
toenails and
fingernails (onychomycosis). It also is used for treating patients with fever
and low white blood cell counts who are likely to develop a fungal infection.
DOSING: The usual recommended dose is 200-400 mg daily as a single
dose or two divided doses. Capsules should be taken with a full meal because
food improves absorption. The capsule and liquid are not interchangeable, and
only the liquid form is used for treating oral candidiasis.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Itraconazole reduces the liver metabolism
(breakdown) of some drugs, resulting in increased blood levels and side effects
from the affected drugs. Life threatening adverse effects occurred when
itraconazole was combined with cisapride (no longer available in the U.S.),
pimozide (Orap), quinidine
(Quinaglute, Quinidex), dofetilide (Tikosyn), or
levomethadyl (Orlaam).
Therefore, itraconazole should not be combined with these drugs. Other drugs
whose blood levels are increased by itraconazole include warfarin (Coumadin),
tolbutamide, glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase), glipizide (Glucotrol),
protease inhibitors [for example, indinavir (Crixivan), ritonavir (Norvir),
saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase)],
midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion),
"statins" (for example, simvastatin or Zocor) and several others.
Itraconazole increases blood levels of certain calcium channel blockers, for
example, nisoldipine (Sular) and verapamil (Calan). Such combinations increase
the occurrence of congestive heart failure due to itraconazole.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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