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What is Itraconazole
ItraconazoleThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryItraconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat a variety of fungal infections including histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, cryptococcal meningitis, and aspergillosis. It works by blocking the production of a specific enzyme that is needed for the fungus to make its cell wall.
Sporanoxis the brand name
Itraconazole Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Sporanox
Itraconazole
1992
35
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Itraconazole, otherwise known as Sporanox, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses which include Cellulitis and Esophageal Candidiasis .Cellulitis
Esophageal Candidiasis
Sporotrichosis
Oropharyngeal Candidiasis
Chromoblastomycosis
Paracoccidioidomycosis
Effectiveness
How Itraconazole Affects PatientsItraconazole is a medicine used to treat fungal infections. It works by blocking an enzyme (cytochrome P450 14α-demethylase) found in fungi that is needed for the fungi to grow. This medicine has been shown to be effective at stopping the growth of various types of fungi, such as Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida spp. It can also be used to treat fungal infections in both healthy and immunocompromised (low immunity) animals.
How Itraconazole works in the bodyItraconazole stops the fungus from making a compound called ergosterol, which is vital for its cell membrane. When the cell membrane is weakened, it can no longer contain the contents of the cell, which will eventually lead to the death of the fungus. Itraconazole may also stop the fungus from getting energy, stop it from changing from a yeast form to a mycelial form, and prevent it from taking in nutrients.
When to interrupt dosage
The prescribed dosage of Itraconazole is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Onychomycosis, prophylaxis of Penicilliosis and Coccidioidal meningitis. The amount of dosage is contingent upon the technique of delivery, as detailed in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Onychomycosis
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 65.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Kit, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Topical, Solution - Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Intravenous, Kit - Intravenous
Penicillium marneffei infection
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 65.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Kit, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Topical, Solution - Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Intravenous, Kit - Intravenous
disseminated Other specified protozoal diseases
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 65.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Kit, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Topical, Solution - Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Intravenous, Kit - Intravenous
Esophageal Candidiasis
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 65.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Kit, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Topical, Solution - Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Intravenous, Kit - Intravenous
Coccidioidal meningitis
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 65.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Kit, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Topical, Solution - Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Intravenous, Kit - Intravenous
Blastomycosis
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 65.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Kit, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Topical, Solution - Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Intravenous, Kit - Intravenous
Sporotrichosis
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 65.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Kit, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Topical, Solution - Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Intravenous, Kit - Intravenous
Coccidioides
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 65.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Kit, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Topical, Solution - Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Intravenous, Kit - Intravenous
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 65.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Kit, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Topical, Solution - Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Intravenous, Kit - Intravenous
prophylaxis of Histoplasmosis
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 65.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Kit, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Topical, Solution - Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Intravenous, Kit - Intravenous
Chromoblastomycosis
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 65.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Kit, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Topical, Solution - Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Intravenous, Kit - Intravenous
Paracoccidioidomycosis
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 65.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Kit, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Topical, Solution - Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Intravenous, Kit - Intravenous
HIV
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 65.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Kit, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Topical, Solution - Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Intravenous, Kit - Intravenous
Oropharyngeal Candidiasis
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 65.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Kit, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Topical, Solution - Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Intravenous, Kit - Intravenous
Histoplasmosis
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 65.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Kit, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Topical, Solution - Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Intravenous, Kit - Intravenous
Cellulitis
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 65.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Kit, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Topical, Solution - Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Intravenous, Kit - Intravenous
prophylaxis of Penicilliosis
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 65.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Kit, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Topical, Solution - Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Intravenous, Kit - Intravenous
Aspergillosis
, 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 65.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets - Oral, Capsule, coated pellets, Kit, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Topical, Solution - Topical, Cream - Topical, Cream, Intravenous, Kit - Intravenous
Warnings
Itraconazole ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Congestive Heart Failure
Do Not Combine
Congestive heart failure
Do Not Combine
Cytochrome P450
Do Not Combine
suspected pregnancy
Do Not Combine
Common Itraconazole Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
(R)-warfarin
Major
The metabolism of (R)-warfarin can be decreased when combined with Itraconazole.
(S)-Warfarin
Major
The metabolism of (S)-Warfarin can be decreased when combined with Itraconazole.
1,2-Benzodiazepine
Major
The metabolism of 1,2-Benzodiazepine can be decreased when combined with Itraconazole.
3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid
Major
The metabolism of 3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid can be decreased when combined with Itraconazole.
5-androstenedione
Major
The metabolism of 5-androstenedione can be decreased when combined with Itraconazole.
Itraconazole Toxicity & Overdose RiskTests on mice, rats, and dogs have shown that itraconazole is not lethal when taken orally at doses of 320 mg/kg for mice and rats, or 200 mg/kg for dogs.
Itraconazole Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Itraconazole?
137 active clinical trials are currently examining the potential of Itraconazole to ameliorate Chromomycosis, Dermatomycoses and Sporotrichosis.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
HIV
147 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Paracoccidioidomycosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
0 Actively Recruiting
Esophageal Candidiasis
0 Actively Recruiting
Histoplasmosis
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2
Onychomycosis
4 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1
Oropharyngeal Candidiasis
0 Actively Recruiting
prophylaxis of Histoplasmosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Chromoblastomycosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Coccidioidal meningitis
0 Actively Recruiting
disseminated Other specified protozoal diseases
0 Actively Recruiting
Aspergillosis
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Penicillium marneffei infection
0 Actively Recruiting
Blastomycosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Coccidioides
0 Actively Recruiting
Sporotrichosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Cellulitis
0 Actively Recruiting
prophylaxis of Penicilliosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Itraconazole Reviews: What are patients saying about Itraconazole?
5Patient Review
1/30/2017 I've been taking this medication for the past three months with absolutely no side effects that I can tell. No hair loss, no new nail growth... nothing. Maybe it's too early to say? Or maybe I was given a placebo?
5Patient Review
6/1/2016 I was put on this medication after extensive testing and consultation with three different doctors. Finally, a lung specialist diagnosed me with pneumonia. I've only been on the drug for three weeks, but it has already cost me $16,600 in hospital bills.
5Patient Review
1/22/2022 This treatment is excellent.
4.7Patient Review
11/3/2012 I was diagnosed with histoplasmosis in October 2009 and put on Sporanox. Unfortunately, this led to a rapid decline in my liver function. I strongly recommend that you get your liver checked regularly if you are taking this medication.
4.7Patient Review
5/31/2014 I was very alarmed when I found a bald spot on my head, especially because there were more spots by the following weekend. In addition to that, I experienced scalp itchiness and numbness in my limbs. After doing some research, I discovered that this medicine shouldn't be taken with simvastin; now that I've stopped taking it, the side effects are subsiding but they're still pretty bad. Does anyone know how long it takes for this medicine to leave your system?
4.3Patient Review
1/28/2020 I just completed a 3-month course of this medication for toenail fungus. I didn't notice any side effects and my new nail is coming through fine, although there is still some discoloration at the top. The medication definitely stopped it from spreading and seems to be working. Only time will tell if the fungus comes back on the fresh nail.
4.3Patient Review
1/30/20124Patient Review
3/30/2013 I've been dealing with this toenail infection for over five years now, and I've tried Lamasil three times. The first time I used it, I did so for over a year straight with very little effect. However, my recent pulse treatment--which consists of taking the medication for one week out of every month, twice daily--has cleared up all but one big toe. There were no side effects that I noticed; though, it's worth mentioning that I already have a sensitive stomach due to minor lactose intolerance.
3.7Patient Review
4/13/2014 I've only been taking this for a day and I feel SO much better. This is the quickest acting yeast medication I've ever taken. I usually have to take oral medications because I get really bad infections of non-albicans species, but this seems to be more effective than Diflucan with less indigestion. Taking it twice a day for a week isn't too bad, obviously once a day for fewer days would be ideal but this stuff really helps so I don't mind!
3.7Patient Review
11/12/20103.3Patient Review
5/4/2012 While this did eventually help with my muscle cramps, the process was slow and uncomfortable.
3Patient Review
1/7/20112.3Patient Review
3/11/2013 I lost 17 pounds from all the nausea this treatment caused me.
2.3Patient Review
4/24/2018 This drug effectively addressed my toenail fungus issue. Better than Lamisil, and now I don't have to be embarrassed anymore.
1.7Patient Review
10/17/2021 The only good thing about this treatment is that it smells pretty bad. I've been using it for almost two years now, and it doesn't seem to be doing anything. If anything, it seems like it's made my toenail infection worse.
Patient Q&A Section about itraconazole
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What are the side effects of taking itraconazole?
"You may experience nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stomach upset, or dizziness. If you experience any of these effects for an extended period of time, or if they worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist."
Answered by AI
Is itraconazole a steroid?
"Itraconazole is used to treat fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails.
Itraconazole does not contain steroids. It is an antifungal medication that belongs to the triazole class of drugs. It is highly effective against common fungal infections. Itraconazole is used to treat fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails."
Answered by AI
How long can itraconazole be taken?
"Itraconazole oral solution is recommended to be taken on an empty stomach once or twice a day, for a duration of 1 to 4 weeks, or sometimes longer if needed. It is important to follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and to ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part of the instructions that you do not understand."
Answered by AI
What is itraconazole used for?
"This medication is used to treat fungal infections such as aspergillosis (fungal infection in the lungs), blastomycosis (Gilchrist's disease), or histoplasmosis (Darling's disease). It is also used to treat onychomycosis (fungal infection in the fingernails or toenails)."
Answered by AI