What is Itraconazole?
Itraconazole is an antifungal medicine which is used in adults for treating infections that are caused by fungus. It includes infections in any part of the body like lungs, mouth, throat, toenails and fingernails. Itraconazole helps in prevention from various types of fungi by preventing them from producing membranes which surround the fungal cells.
Itraconazole Uses
- Itraconazole helps in treating fungal infections of toenails.
- Itraconazole is used for treating various yeast infections of mouth, throat or of esophagus.
- Itraconazole helps in slowing down the growth of fungi which can cause infection.
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 any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Itraconazole if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Itraconazole side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Itraconazole talk to your doctor if you’re allergic to any antifungal medications. The product may contain some improper ingredient which can lead to some serious side effects.
Share with your doctor if you’re taking any prescription or non-prescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements and other herbal products. If you are taking any antacid medications take it 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.
How to take Itraconazole?
Itraconazole comes in the form capsules, tablets and solution (liquid). If you’re taking Itraconazole for treating fungal infections in lungs, then the capsules are taken during the night or after a full meal for 1 to 2 times a day at least for 3 months. But if you’re taking Itraconazole for treating a serious fungal infection in lungs then the dosage should be taken after the meal for 3 times a day for first 3 days of treatment and then 2 times a day for at least 3 months.
Take Itraconazole solution for fungal infections of mouth or throat, wish 10 millimetres (i.e. about 2 teaspoons) of the solution in mouth.
Itraconazole capsules and oral solution is observed in the body in different ways and it works as a treatment for various conditions.
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:
- Daily dose of 200-400 mg
Treatment of Onychomycosis
- For the treatment of Toenails- 200 mg once daily for 12 consecutive weeks.
- For the treatments of Fingernails- 400 mg/day for 1 week.
Advantages of Itraconazole
- Helps in reducing side effects and toxicity
- Works as anti-fungal against onychomycosis, candidiasis affecting the skin and mucous membranes.
Itraconazole is found to be the most effective drug, followed by Ketoconazole, Terbinafine and Fluconazole.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Itraconazole won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it 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. In some cases, 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 getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warnings for serious health conditions
Pregnancy
There is no adequate study on pregnant women. Itraconazole should be avoided by pregnant women for the treatment of nail fungal infections.
Breastfeeding
Itraconazole is excreted in breastmilk. So, Itraconazole should be avoided during breastfeeding.
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 in a safe place 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. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Itraconazole rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Itraconazole.
Itraconazole vs. Fluconazole
| Itraconazole | Fluconazole |
|---|---|
| Itraconazole is an antifungal medicine which is used in adults for treating infections that are caused by fungus. It includes infections in any part of the body like lungs, mouth, throat, toenails and fingernails. | Fluconazole is used for preventing and treating candidiasis (fungal infection). It is used for treating infection of the brain and spinal cord. |
| Itraconazole is used for treating various yeast infections of mouth, throat or of esophagus. | Fluconazole is used for treating candidiasis. It can cause infections in other parts of the body which includes throat, esophagus, lungs and blood. |
