Brand name: Sporanox
Class of drugs: Antifungal
Why is itraconazole prescribed?
- Itraconazole is prescribed to transplant patients to treat or prevent the development of aspergillus infection, a type of fungal infection.
- A transplant patient has an increased risk of developing infections because the immune system is suppressed.
- Itraconazole will suppress the infection and help keep the symptoms from becoming worse.
How is itraconazole taken?
- Itraconazole is generally taken in the form of capsules or liquid that is swallowed.
- If the liquid form of this medication is prescribed, use a specially marked measuring cup to measure each dose accurately.
- This drug works best when there is a constant amount of it in the bloodstream.
- Itraconazole must be taken for the entire duration of treatment in order to achieve the best results.
- The dose of this drug will be different for each patient.
- You will take itraconazole for an average of 18 months.
- You may be taking this medication along with amphotericin B at the same time.
- Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose and how often to take it — follow these instructions carefully and ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain any part that you do not understand.
- It is important that you take this medication regularly as prescribed. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor.
What special instructions should I follow while taking this medication?
- Itraconazole should be taken at least two hours before taking an antacid such as Pepcid, Prilosec and Nexium, if these medications are prescribed for you.
- The liquid form of this medication is best absorbed on an empty stomach. The pill form should be taken with food and a glass of cola.
- Keep taking itraconazole for the full time of treatment.
- Be sure that you always have enough medication on hand. Check your supply before holidays or other occasions when you may be unable to fill your prescription.
- Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory so that your response to the drug can be monitored.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose.
What storage conditions are necessary for this drug?
- Store this medication at room temperature.
- DO NOT store the capsule form of this medication in direct sunlight or in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause it to break down.
- Store the liquid form of this medication in the refrigerator, but make sure it does not freeze.
- Keep this medication in a tightly sealed container.
- Keep this and other medications out of the reach of children.
What are the common side effects and what can I do to treat them?
- While you are taking itraconazole, frequent blood tests will be taken to prevent or minimize the development of altered liver function, a serious side effect of this medication.
- Nausea is a common side effect of itraconazole. To manage nausea, eat small, frequent meals and avoid spicy or greasy foods.
When should I call my health care provider?
If you have any of these symptoms, please tell your health care provider at your next follow-up appointment:
- Changes in your urine output
- Nausea that does not improve after changing your eating habits
- Constipation, diarrhea
- Headache
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your health care provider immediately:
- Fever or chills
- Skin rash or itching or unusual skin changes
- Sore throat
- Changes in the color of your urine
- Changes in your vision
- Unusual fatigue
- Extreme weight loss with unknown cause
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
For More Information
If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 216.444.8282.
We will be happy to answer your questions.