Itraconazole
Pronounced
"eye-truh-CON-uh-zole"
Uses
Itraconazole is used to treat a variety of fungal infections. It belongs to a class of drugs known as azole antifungals. It works by stopping the growth of fungi.
Warning
Itraconazole should not be used to treat fungal nail infections if you have a history of heart failure. Itraconazole may rarely cause or worsen heart failure. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, or unusual/sudden unexplained weight gain. Consult your doctor for more details.
This medication can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which may cause very serious (possibly fatal) side effects to occur. Examples of affected drugs include certain "blood thinners" (such as ticagrelor), colchicine, certain drugs to treat irregular heartbeat (such disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, quinidine), eplerenone, ergot alkaloids (such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine), felodipine, fesoterodine, irinotecan, ivabradine, lurasidone, methadone, midazolam, nisoldipine, pimozide, ranolazine, certain "statin" cholesterol drugs (such as lovastatin, simvastatin), solifenacin, telithromycin, triazolam, among others. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used to reduce the risk of certain fungal infections.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking itraconazole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with a full meal as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. Swallow the capsules whole.
Medications that reduce stomach acid (such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors/PPIs, H2 blockers) may make itraconazole work less well. If you take antacids, take the antacids at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after itraconazole. If you take PPIs (such as lansoprazole, omeprazole) or H2 blockers (such as famotidine, nizatidine), take itraconazole with an acidic drink (such as cola). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Some conditions may require you to take this medication in cycles (twice daily for 1 week, then stopping the medication for 3 weeks).
For the best effect, take this antifungal at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) each day. Mark your calendar with a reminder if you are taking this medication in cycles.
Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.
The capsule, tablet, and solution forms of this medication deliver different amounts of medication and may be used for different purposes. Do not switch between the different forms or brands of this drug without your doctor's direction.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.