Sometimes doctors prescribe special medications to treat fungal infections on our skin, nails, or inside our bodies. Itraconazole is one such important drug that acts as an antifungal. So if you have to use this medication, it is very important to be aware of it.
What is Itraconazole?
Simply put, Itraconazole is an antifungal medication. It is mainly used to treat various types of fungal or yeast infections that occur in our body. You may find this medication under brand names like Sporanox, Onmel, Tolsura. Doctors may also prescribe this medication for other conditions. So if you have any concerns, ask your doctor about it.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
When talking to your doctor about this medication, it is important to mention any of the following conditions if you have them. This information will help your doctor decide whether this medication is right for you or if the dosage needs to be adjusted.
- If you have heart disease.
- If you have a history of irregular heartbeat.
- If you have a weak immune system.
- If you have kidney disease or liver disease.
- If you have lung or breathing disease.
- If you have an allergic reaction to itraconazole or other antifungal medications, foods, or dyes.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are breastfeeding a child.
How should I use the medicine?
It is very important to know exactly how to use this medicine.
- Fill a glass of water and drink this medicine with it.
- Always take this medicine with a meal. Do not take it on an empty stomach.
- If you are taking medication for gastritis, do not take any medications such as antacids, H2-blockers, or proton pump inhibitors within 2 hours of taking Itraconazole. It is best to leave a 2-hour gap between these two medications.
- Take the medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by the doctor.
- Even if you feel your symptoms have subsided, take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop halfway.
- If you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to a pediatrician about it. Special care may be needed.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, never share your medicine with anyone else.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Interactions with other medications
Itraconazole is a medication that can interact with many other medications, so it is extremely important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Drugs that should never be taken with Itraconazole | |
|---|---|
| Alfuzosin, Alprazolam, Avanafil, Cisapride, Lurasidone, Midazolam, Triazolam | |
| Some medications for high blood pressure (e.g. Felodipine, Nisoldipine) | |
| Some cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g., Lovastatin, Simvastatin) | |
| Some medications for heart disease (e.g. Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Quinidine, Ranolazine) | |
| Ergot alkaloids (e.g. Ergotamine) | |
| Other medications that prolong the QT interval of the heart (abnormal heart rhythm) | |
| Other drugs that may interact with Itraconazole | |
|---|---|
| Antivirals for HIV/AIDS | |
| Some antibiotics (e.g. Ciprofloxacin, Clarithromycin) | |
| Some medications for cancer (e.g. Dasatinib, Erlotinib) | |
| Medications for mental illness and anxiety (e.g. Aripiprazole, Diazepam, Risperidone) | |
| Painkillers (e.g. Fentanyl, Oxycodone) | |
| Medicines that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin, Rivaroxaban) | |
| Medications for gastritis (e.g. Omeprazole, Lansoprazole) | |
| Steroids for cough/asthma (e.g. Budesonide, Fluticasone) | |
| Some medications for diabetes (e.g. Repaglinide, Saxagliptin) | |
Not all medications are listed on these lists, so be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you are taking.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Itraconazole can cause some side effects. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), pain in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite, fever. |
| Symptoms of Heart Failure | Difficulty breathing, fast or irregular heartbeat, sudden weight gain, swelling of the ankles or feet, extreme fatigue. |
| Other serious symptoms | Hearing changes, pain, numbness, or tingling in the limbs. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Dizziness |
| Nausea, vomiting | Diarrhea |
| Blurred vision | |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor about them.
Take-Home Message
- Itraconazole is a medicine used to treat fungal infections. It should always be taken with food .
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including gastritis medication and vitamins).
- If you experience any serious side effects such as yellowing of the eyes, difficulty breathing, or numbness in the limbs, contact your doctor immediately.
- Take the full amount of medicine prescribed by your doctor, for the full duration. Do not stop taking it halfway.
- Store this medicine at room temperature , out of the reach of children, away from light and moisture.
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