Itraconazole: Benefits, Dosage and Side Effects

Itraconazole is an anti-fungal medicine that is used in adults to treat infections caused by fungus. It includes infections in any body part like lungs, mouth, throat, and fingernails. It helps prevent various types of fungi by preventing them from producing membranes surrounding the fungal cells.

Itraconazole Capsules Uses

• It helps in treating fungal infections of toenails.
• Used for treating various yeast infections of the mouth, throat or esophagus.
• It helps in slowing down the growth of fungi, which can cause infection.

If fungal infections persist despite home remedies, visit our Medicover Hospital for specialized treatment and expert consultation with General Medicine doctors.

Quick Highlight of Its Benefits:

• Helps regulate insulin sensitivity
• Improves ovarian function and fertility in PCOS
• May reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and OCD

Conditions Inositol Treats:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Anxiety and depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic disorder
• Metabolic syndrome
• Insulin resistance

Secondary or Off-Label Uses of Itraconazole Tablet:

• Improves egg quality and fertility
• Supports healthy hair and skin
• May reduce the risk of gestational diabetes
• Promotes liver health (especially in fatty liver disease)

What is Itraconazole Used for in Women?

Itraconazole is an antifungal medication used in women to treat a variety of fungal infections. It is commonly prescribed for vaginal yeast infections, fungal skin infections, and systemic fungal infections such as histoplasmosis or aspergillosis. In some cases, it may also be used for fungal nail infections. The medication works by stopping the growth of fungi, helping the body eliminate the infection more effectively.

How Does Inositol Work?

Inositol functions as a cell-signaling messenger, particularly for insulin and neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

• Improves insulin sensitivity, helping with hormonal and blood sugar regulation
• Enhances neurotransmitter activity, aiding in mental health and mood regulation
• Exists in several forms, with myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol being the most studied

Itraconazole (Oral Capsule) Dosage

Treatment of Blastomycosis and Histoplasmosis:

• 200 mg once daily. If there is no improvement, then increase your drugs to 100 mg to a maximum of 400 mg daily.
• Dosage above 200 mg should be divided into two doses per day.

Treatment of Aspergillosis:

• The daily dose of 200-400 mg

Treatment of Onychomycosis

• Take 200 mg of Itraconazole once daily to treat toenails for 12 consecutive weeks.
• For the treatments of fingernails, take 400 mg per day for one week.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

Missing one or two doses of Itraconazole won't affect your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. However, some medications won't work if you don't take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose, some sudden chemical change may affect your body. Sometimes, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.

Overdose

Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Itraconazole tablets, there is a chance of harming your body's functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.

Advantages of Itraconazole

• It helps in reducing side effects and toxicity.
• It works as an anti-fungal against onychomycosis and candidiasis affecting the skin and mucous membranes.

Itraconazole is the most effective drug, followed by Ketoconazole, Terbinafine and Fluconazole.

Itraconazole Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of Itraconazole are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Edema
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Some of the major side effects of Itraconazole are:

• High blood pressure
• Increased blood triglycerides
• Hepatitis
• Congestive heart failure
• Unusual fatigue
• Poor appetite
• Dark Urine
• Pale Stool

If you have serious symptoms, immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. If you get any reactions in your body due to Itraconazole, try avoiding it.

A doctor advised you to take the medicines after seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine, which are greater than the side effects. Most people who use this medicine don't show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Itraconazole side effects.

 If you develop serious side effects, contact General Medicine doctors at Medicover Hospital.

Precautions and Warnings of Using Itraconazole

• Before taking Itraconazole, talk to a doctor if you're allergic to anti-fungal medications. The product may contain some improper ingredients, leading to serious side effects.
• Share with the doctor if you're taking prescription or non-prescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements and other herbal products.
• If you take antacid medications, take them 1 hour before and 2 hours after taking Itraconazole.
• Stop taking Itraconazole if you are facing any signs of congestive heart failure, feeling tired, breathlessness, cough with mucus, irregular heartbeats, swelling, rapid weight gain and sleep disorders.

Itraconazole Usage Warnings for Serious Health Conditions

Pregnancy

There is no adequate study on pregnant women. Pregnant women should avoid Itraconazole for the treatment of nail fungal infections.

Breastfeeding

Itraconazole is excreted in breast milk. So, this drug should be avoided during breastfeeding.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Itraconazole?

• Approved for adults
• Use in children only if clearly needed and under medical supervision

Alcohol or Food Interactions

• Alcohol should be avoided -- may worsen liver side effects
• Capsules must be taken with food for maximum absorption
• Acidic beverages (like cola) may improve absorption in some cases

How to Take Itraconazole?

Itraconazole comes in capsules, tablets and solution (liquid). If you're taking Itraconazole to treat fungal infections in the lungs, the capsules are taken at night or after a full meal 1 to 2 times a day for at least three months.

If you're taking Itraconazole to treat a serious fungal infection in the lungs, then the dosage should be taken after the meal three times a day for the first three days of treatment and then two times a day for at least three months.

Take Itraconazole solution for fungal infections of the mouth or throat; wish 10 millimetres (i.e. about two teaspoons) of the solution in your mouth.

Itraconazole capsules and oral solution are observed in the body in different ways, and it works as a treatment for various conditions.

Possible Interactions with Other Medications

May Interact With:

• Statins (e.g., simvastatin) - risk of muscle toxicity
• Antiarrhythmics (e.g., quinidine, dofetilide) - risk of heart rhythm issues
• Benzodiazepines - may cause excessive drowsiness
• Antacids or acid reducers (may reduce absorption of itraconazole)
• Warfarin, phenytoin, digoxin - levels may be affected

Note: Always tell your doctor about all drugs, herbs, or supplements you take.

Itraconazole Capsule Storage

Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept safe and out of children's reach.

Mainly, the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).

Before taking Itraconazole:

• Consult your doctor. If you face problems or side effects after taking Itraconazole, immediately rush to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment.
• Always carry your medications in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies.
• Follow your prescription and follow your doctor's advice whenever you take Itraconazole.

Itraconazole vs. Fluconazole

References

Itraconazole
Itraconazole: Pharmacologic Studies in Animals and Humans
Plasma buspirone concentrations are greatly increased by erythromycin and itraconazole