Generic Sporanox, capsules

Chemical Name: ITRACONAZOLE

Common uses

This medicine is an antifungal agent used to treat fungal infections.

Before using

Warning: itraconazole must not be used with certain medicines (e.g., astemizole, cisapride, terfenadine, quinidine, pimozide, dofetilide) that are broken down by the liver (cytochrome p450 3a4). Medications using this system may build up in the body causing serious, even fatal, heart problems such as irregular heartbeats (e.g., torsades de pointes), or increased side effects. Notify your doctor immediately if you are using any of the above medicines or medicines similar to these. Do not use this drug to treat nail fungal infections if you have heart disease (congestive heart failure); consult your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop trouble breathing, ankle or foot swelling, or sudden weight gain. Do not take this medicine if you are also taking astemizole, cisapride, dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, terfenadine, triazolam, midazolam (oral), or certain medicines for high cholesterol (statins).

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking alfentanil, amphotericin b, buspirone, busulfan, vinca alkaloids, digoxin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, methylprednisolone, nevirapine, rifabutin, rifampin, sildenafil, sirolimus, tacrolimus, trimetrexate, vincristine, vinblastine, warfarin, oral medicine for diabetes, calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, nifedipine), ulcer drugs (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine), statins (e.g., simvastatin), proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole), or medicines for seizures, anxiety, or sleep. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of congestive heart failure. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you have a history of other heart problems, liver disease (including abnormal liver function tests, or liver disease caused by other medicines), kidney disease, or severe lung disease (copd). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Take this medicine with food. Do not take this medicine with antacids or within 2 hours of taking an antacid.

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. To clear up your infection completely, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

It may take several weeks or months for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return. Check with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments (e.g., liver function tests) while you are using this medicine.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take seldane (terfenadine), hismanal (astemizole), or cisapride while taking this medicine.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include headache, sinus infection, nausea, vomiting, gas, diarrhea, dizziness, rash, and itching. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor immediately if you experience trouble breathing, swelling of the feet, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, persistent nausea or vomiting, yellow discoloration of skin, dark urine, pale stools, or tingling or numbness of the hands/feet. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.