Itraconazole capsules
What do itraconazole capsules do?
ITRACONAZOLE (Sporanox(R)) is an antifungal type of antibiotic. It treats serious fungal infections; especially those associated with the lungs.
What should my health care professional know before I take itraconazole capsules?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• heart disease, including angina or heart failure
• liver disease
• lung disease, including COPD
• kidney disease or on dialysis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to itraconazole, or other azole medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take itraconazole capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Itraconazole capsules works best if you take it with food or a cola beverage. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with itraconazole capsules?
Do not take itraconazole with the following medications:
• astemizole (Hismanal(R))
• cimetidine (Tagamet(R))
• cisapride (Propusid(R))
• dofetilide (Tikosyn(TM))
• esomeprazole (Nexium(R))
• famotidine (Pepcid(R))
• lansoprazole (Prevacid(R))
• lovastatin (Mevacor(R))
• nizatidine (Axid(R))
• omeprazole (Prilosec(R))
• pantoprazole (Protonix(R))
• pimozide (Orap(R))
• quinidine (Cardioquin(R), Quinidex(R), Quinaglute(R))
• rabeprazole (AcipHex(TM))
• ranitidine (Zantac(R))
• simvastatin (Zocor(R))
• terfenadine (Seldane(R))
• triazolam (Halcion(R))
Other drugs which may interact with itraconazole include:
• antacids
• atorvastatin
• cerivastatin
• cilostazol
• clarithromcycin
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, or methysergide
• erythromycin
• herbal products containing went yeast
• medicines for anxiety or sleep (e.g., alprazolam, estazolam)
• medicines for diabetes that are taken by mouth
• medicines for HIV disease including delavirdine, nevirapine, and protease inhibitors
• medicines for tuburculosis including isoniazid, INH, rifabutin, rifampine, and rifapentine
• methadone
• nizatidine
• phenytoin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking itraconazole capsules?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• dark yellow or brown urine
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• skin rash, itching
• stomach pain
• skin rash, itching, hives
• swelling, fluid retention
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea, vomiting