Itraconazole

Information on Itraconazole

Capsules
Chemical Name: ITRACONAZOLE (i-tra-KOE-na-zole)

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

Before using
WARNING: ITRACONAZOLE MUST NOT BE USED WITH CERTAIN OTHER MEDICINES such as cisapride, quinidine, pimozide, dofetilide or levacetylmethadol. These medicines are broken down by a liver enzyme system. Medications using this system may build up in the body causing serious, even fatal, heart problems such as irregular heartbeats (such as torsades de pointes), or cardiac arrest. Notify your doctor immediately if you are using any of the above medicines or medicines similar to these. THIS MEDICINE MUST NOT BE USED TO TREAT fungal infections of the nail if you currently have heart problems (such as congestive heart failure) or if you have a history of heart problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop trouble breathing, ankle or foot swelling, or sudden weight gain. 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. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking alfuzosin, certain medicines for sleep or anxiety (such as midazolam or triazolam), certain blood vessel constrictors called ergot alkaloids (such as dihydroergotamine, ergometrine, ergotamine or methylergometrine), certain medicines that reduce cholesterol (such as simvastatin or lovastatin), certain antimycobacterials (such as rifabutin or rifampin), erythromycin, nevirapine, certain medicines for migraine headache (such as eletriptan or almotriptan), or certain non-sedating allergy medicines (such as terfenadine or astemizole). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking amphotericin B, buspirone, cilostazol, disopyramide, halofantrine, certain medicines for mood and mental problems (such as aripiprazole), antacids, certain medicines to treat cancer (such as busulfan, docetaxel, vincristine, gefitinib, imatinib, or erlotinib), digoxin, corticosteroids (such as budesonide, methylprednisolone or dexamethasone), certain medicines for erection problems (such as sildenafil), cyclophosphamide, medicines that suppress the immune system (such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus), warfarin, oral medicine for diabetes (such as meglitinide, pioglitazone or glipizide), calcium channel blockers (such as verapamil, felodipine or nifedipine), certain medicines for bladder problems (such as darifenacin or tolterodine), certain narcotic pain medicines (such as buprenorphine), medicines that reduce stomach acid (such as cimetidine or ranitidine), medicines for GERD or reflux problems (such as omeprazole), certain medicines for HIV (such as indinavir, ritonavir, or saquinavir), or medicines for seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin), aldosterone blockers (such as eplerenone), certain medicines for sleep (such as ralmelteon). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including a history of heart problems, liver problems (such as cirrhosis, abnormal liver enzyme tests, or drug-induced liver damage), kidney problems, severe lung problems (such as COPD), digestive problems (such as low stomach acid), allergies, pregnancy, breast-feeding, or if you are taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills). USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of congestive heart failure. 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 ANTACIDS within 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, 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
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS OR MONTHS for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, [including liver function test] may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS, this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. 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, and dizziness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience changes in menstrual period, mental or mood changes, ringing in the ears, or sensitivity to light. 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; tingling or numbness of the hands or feet; or reddened, blistered or swollen skin. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

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.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2009. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.