Itraconazole Generic (Sporanox) for Fungal Infections

  • Type of Drug: Antifungal.
  • Prescribed for: Fungal infections (blastomycosis and histoplasmosis) in normal and immuno-deficient people. Itraconazole is also effective against a number of common superficial fungal infections of the skin that don’t respond to other medicines, and against many blood-borne fungal infections.

General Information of Sporanox Generic

Itraconazole is effective against a broad variety of fungal organisms. The broad range of its effectiveness may make it an important therapy for people with AIDS or cancer whose immune systems are compromised. It works by inhibiting important enzyme systems in the organisms it attacks. Drug treatment must be continued for at least 3 months until the fungal infection subsides. This drug is broken down in the liver, but the effect of liver disease on Itraconazole is not known.

Cautions and Warnings

The combination of Itraconazole and either Astemizole or Terfenadine, nonsedating antihistamines, can cause severe cardiac side effects and should be avoided. Do not take Itraconazole if you have had an allergic reaction to it. People who are allergic to similar antifungals (Ketoconazole, Miconazole, and Fluconazole) may also be allergic to Itraconazole, although cross-reactions are uncommon. On rare occasions, Itraconazole causes reversible liver damage. It should be used with caution by people who already have liver disease. In studies with laboratory animals, Itraconazole caused an increase in lung tumors.

Possible Side Effects of Sporanox

  • Most common: nausea, vomiting, and rash.
  • Less common: diarrhea, abdominal pain, appetite loss, swelling in the legs or feet, fatigue, fever, feeling sick, itching, headache, dizziness, reduced sex drive, tiredness, high blood pressure, liver or kidney function abnormalities, low blood potassium, and male impotence.
  • Rare: stomach gas, sleeplessness, depression, ringing or buzzing in the ears, and swollen or painful breasts (both sexes).

Drug Interactions

  • People who have taken Terfenadine with Itraconazole have experienced severe cardiac side effects. DO NOT TAKE THIS COMBINATION. This restriction also applies to the combination of Astemizole and Itraconazole.
  • Warfarin. Your doctor should evaluate your dosage of these drugs if you start taking Itraconazole. Important dosage adjustments may be needed!
  • Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Famotidine, Nizatidine, Isoniazid, Phenytoin, and Rifampin can reduce the amount of. Itraconazole in your blood, possibly interfering with its effectiveness.
  • Itraconazole may increase the effect of Phenytoin by reducing the rate at which Phenytoin is broken down in the body.

Food Interactions of Generic Itraconazole

Itraconazole should be taken with food or meals.

Usual Dose

  • Adult: 200 to 600 mg once per day. Child (age 3 to 16 years): 100 mg per day has been used, but the long-term effects of Itraconazole in children are not known.

Overdosage

Symptoms of Itraconazole overdose may include any of the drug’s side effects; liver toxicity is especially important. Call your doctor, local poison control center, or hospital emergency room for more information. ALWAYS take the medicine bottle with you.

Generic Sporanox Special Information

Itraconazole must be taken for at least 3 months to determine its effectiveness. Taking this medicine for less than the prescribed time may lead to recurrence of the original infection. Call your doctor if you develop unusual fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine or pale stools, or unusually bothersome or persistent side effects. If you forget to take a dose of Itraconazole, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.

Special Populations

Pregnancy/Breast-feeding Animal studies have shown that doses of Itraconazole 5 to 20 times the human dose cause damage to the developing fetus. The drug’s effect in humans is not known. Pregnant women should not use Itraconazole unless the possible benefits have first been carefully weighed against the risks. Itraconazole passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers should bottle-feed their babies if they must take this drug.

Seniors

Older adults may use this drug without special restriction. Report any side effects to the doctor at once.

Disclaimer: The information you can find in this article is presented purely for educational purposes. Any drugs and their exact dosages should be selected only after consulting a medical professional that is aware of your medical history. The article doesn’t offer in-depth information regarding Sporanox so it shouldn’t be used as a guideline in your treatment. Taking this drug without consulting a specialist can be dangerous and increase the risk of side effects. If you are interested in taking this medication, you may need to undergo a physical examination and perform laboratory tests to assess your current state of health. This site doesn’t bear responsibility for the information presented here and any instances that may arise from following these recommendations.