Sometimes, fungal infections can occur in different parts of our body, for example, in the mouth and throat. Doctors prescribe various medications to treat this. Itraconazole is one such antifungal medication. This one also comes in the form of an oral solution. So if you or someone you know has been prescribed this medication, it is very important to be fully informed about it.
So, what is Itraconazole?
Simply put, Itraconazole is an antifungal medication. It is used to treat certain types of fungal or yeast infections in our bodies. This medication works by stopping the growth of fungal cells that cause the infection and destroying them. It can be prescribed by your doctor as a pill or, in some cases, as an oral solution.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
It is important for your doctor to have a complete history of your health before prescribing this medication. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you have heart disease.
- If you have previously had irregular heartbeats.
- If you have a weak immune system.
- If you have a kidney-related condition.
- If you have a liver disease.
- If you have a lung or respiratory system disease.
- If you have an allergic reaction to itraconazole or any other antifungal medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
How should I use the medicine?
It is very important to follow these instructions exactly when using this medicine.
- Correct measurement: Use the special measuring spoon or cup that comes with this medicine to measure it. Do not use regular household teaspoons , as they may not measure accurately and may cause an inaccurate dose.
- When to take: This is the most important thing. This medicine should always be taken on an empty stomach . That means at least 30 minutes before a meal, or 2 hours after a meal. Never take this medicine with food.
- Take according to schedule: Take the medicine at the prescribed intervals, at the times prescribed by your doctor.
- Complete the course: Even if your symptoms have subsided and you feel better, take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it halfway. If you do, the infection may come back.
- If giving to children: If giving this medicine to young children, talk to a pediatrician for advice. Special care may be needed.
What if the dosage of the medicine increases?
Imagine that you have accidentally taken too much medicine. If this happens, do not panic and act immediately. You can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
Very important! Other medications that interact with Itraconazole
Itraconazole is a medication that may interact with some other medications. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
Some medications can cause dangerous side effects when taken with Itraconazole, so be especially careful with this.
The two tables below contain details about medications that may interact with Itraconazole.
| Do not take Itraconazole with these medications! (DO NOT Take With These) | |
|---|---|
| Alfuzosin, Alprazolam, Avanafil | Cisapride, Colchicine (if you have liver or kidney disease) |
| Conivaptan, Irinotecan, Isavuconazole, Lurasidone | Methadone, Midazolam, Naloxegol, Nevirapine |
| Pimozide, Sirolimus, Thioridazine, Ticagrelor, Triazolam | Red yeast rice |
| Some medications for blood pressure: Felodipine, Nisoldipine | Some medications for cholesterol: Cerivastatin, Lovastatin, Simvastatin, Lomitapide |
| Some medications used for heart disease: Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Eplerenone, Ivabradine, Quinidine, Ranolazine | Ergot alkaloids: Dihydroergotamine, Ergotamine, Methylergonovine |
| This may also interact with medication (be sure to tell your doctor ) | |
|---|---|
| Antiviral drugs for HIV or AIDS | Some antibiotics (e.g. Ciprofloxacin, Clarithromycin) |
| Some medications for cancer | Medications for mental illness such as stress and depression |
| Some pain medications (e.g. Fentanyl, Oxycodone) | Medications to prevent blood clots (e.g. Warfarin, Dabigatran) |
| Medicines for seizures (e.g. Carbamazepine, Phenytoin) | Some medicines used to treat tuberculosis (e.g. Isoniazid, Rifampin) |
| Steroid medications (e.g. Dexamethasone, Fluticasone) | Digoxin, Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus, Verapamil, Sildenafil, Tadalafil |
These lists are not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take, if you smoke, or if you drink alcohol.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Itraconazole can cause some side effects. Some of them can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | 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, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite, and feeling lethargic. |
| 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 in the limbs, numbness. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Blurred vision | Diarrhea |
| Dizziness | Headache |
| Nausea and vomiting | |
What else should you be careful about when taking the medicine?
- You may feel a little drowsy and dizzy . Avoid doing anything that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- Especially if you are older, avoid standing up suddenly or getting up from a sitting position. Stand up slowly, waiting a few moments. This will reduce the risk of dizziness and falling.
- If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, inform your doctor immediately.
How to store the medicine?
- Keep it out of the reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (25 degrees Celsius / 77 Fahrenheit).
- Keep away from light and moisture.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Always take Itraconazole liquid on an empty stomach . Do not take it with food.
- Take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop halfway.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a serious side effect, such as signs of liver or heart damage.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
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