Sign inBefore taking itraconazole
Before taking itraconazole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from heart failure or any type of heart disease.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you suffer from the rare blood disorder porphyria.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take itraconazole
- Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take itraconazole exactly as your doctor has told you.
- If you have been given itraconazole capsules, take your dose immediately after food. The capsules should be swallowed whole, not chewed.
- If you have been given itraconazole oral liquid, this should be taken before food. Take the oral liquid at least one hour before eating or drinking. Swish the liquid around your mouth for 20 seconds before swallowing it and do not rinse your mouth afterwards.
- If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- It is important that you complete the prescribed course unless your doctor has told you otherwise - do not stop your treatment just because you feel better.
- If you are a woman and able to bear children, you must use effective contraception while you are taking itraconazole and at least until the next menstrual period after finishing your course of treatment.
- Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time as itraconazole. Leave at least 2 hours after taking your dose of itraconazole before taking any such remedies.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with itraconazole.
Can itraconazole cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling or being sick, abdominal pain | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods. If this continues or is severe, let your doctor know |
| Rash | If this becomes troublesome or severe, let your doctor know |
| Less common side-effects include: dizziness, headache, problems with sight (such as double vision), and hearing loss | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store itraconazole
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Sporanox® Capsules, Janssen-Cilag Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated December 2010, accessed December 2010.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Sporanox® 10 mg/ml Oral Solution, Janssen-Cilag Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2010, accessed December 2010.
- British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)