| 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).
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).
Caution! Before starting
to take this medicine, it is vital that you should consult your doctor!
Do not use it on your own initiative, without medical advice. |
