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Itraconazole

  • It is important that you complete the prescribed course- do not stop your treatment just because you feel better.
  • Itraconazole can interact with a number of other drugs- be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medication you take.

About itraconazole

Type of medicine Antifungal
Used for Treatment of fungal infections including oral thrush, vaginal thrush, fungal infections of the skin or nails.
Also called Sporanox
Sporanox Pulse
Available as Capsules
Liquid
Injection

Itraconazole works by indirectly killing the fungi that cause infections.

Before 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 take drugs known as calcium-channel blockers.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.

How to take itraconazole

  • Itraconazole capsules should be taken immediately after a meal.
  • Itraconazole capsules should be swallowed whole, not chewed.
  • Indigestion remedies should not be taken at the same time as itraconazole capsules.
  • Itraconazole liquid should be taken without food, preferably at least one hour before eating.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • It is important that you complete the prescribed course- do not stop your treatment just because you feel better.
  • Itraconazole can interact with a number of other drugs - be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medication you take.

Can itraconazole cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick Eat little and often.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
If you are sick, drink plenty of liquid.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.
Dizziness 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.

Important: If you develop feelings of sickness, stomach pain, tiredness, loss of appetite or dark urine seek urgent medical attention as this may indicate a liver disorder.

How to store itraconazole

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
  • Manufacturer's Patient Information Leaflet, Sporanox 100 mg capsules, Janssen-Cilag Ltd, August 2007
  • Manufacturer's Patient Information Leaflet, Sporanox 10mg/ml Oral Solution, Janssen-Cilag Ltd, May 2007
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3216		 DocRef:
dils2065		 Last Updated:
12 Oct 2007		 Date of Next Review:
11 Oct 2009		 Version:
22

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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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