Itraconazole

What is Itraconazole for?

It is used to treat or prevent fungal infections.

How should I take or use Itraconazole?

It is given orally and available as a capsule, tablet and liquid solution. Take it exactly as your doctor tells you. Do not interchange or switch between capsule and oral liquid products.

Capsules/Tablets:

Swallow whole and take this medication with or immediately after a full meal

Liquid:

Take this medication without food or on an empty stomach

What should I do if I forget to take or use Itraconazole?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Itraconazole?

Do not take itraconazole:

• If you are allergic to itraconazole or any other part of this drug
• If you are pregnant or could become pregnant unless your are instructed by your doctor

Itraconazole can sometimes cause dizziness, blurred/double vision or hearing loss. If you have these symptoms do not drive or use machines.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Itraconazole?

1. Itraconazole interacts with many other medications. This may affect how well itraconazole works or cause side effects. Sometimes, these effects may be severe. Check with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure that it is safe for you to take all of your other medications/supplements (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) with itraconazole or within 2 weeks after you stop taking itraconazole.

2. For itraconazole tablets and capsules: If you have low stomach acid or you take another medication to lower stomach acid, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how to take this medication

What are some common side effects of Itraconazole?

Side Effects

1. Diarrhoea
2. Nausea
3. Headache
4. Dizziness
5. Abdominal Pain
6. Liver problems

Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of an allergic reaction e.g. rash, itching, swollen face or eyes, trouble breathing.
• Signs of electrolyte problems like mood changes, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, a heartbeat that does not feel normal, seizures, feeling not hungry, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up
• Signs of liver problems such as dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-coloured stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Signs of heart failure such as shortness of breath, a big weight gain, coughing up white or pink mucus, fast heartbeat, waking up at night more than normal, or swelling in the arms or legs while you take this medication
• Changes in hearing
• Signs of nerve problems such as numbness or tingling sensation on skin

How should I store Itraconazole?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight
• Store at room temperature

What should I do if I overdose?

If you overdose on this medicine, inform your doctor immediately.