Itraconazole

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Sporanox; Sporanox Pulsepak [DSC]; Tolsura

Brand Names: Canada

JAMP Itraconazole; MINT-Itraconazole; ODAN Itraconazole; Sporanox

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat fungal infections.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

For all uses of this drug:

• If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

Nail fungal infections:

• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not take this drug if you are pregnant.

This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

For all uses of this drug:

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this drug affects you.
• If you have dizziness or change in eyesight, do not drive or do other tasks or actions that could be unsafe.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
• Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
• Hearing loss has happened with this drug. Many times this has happened when this drug was taken along with quinidine. This will most often go away after this drug is stopped but may not go away in some people. Talk with the doctor.
• If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
• If you may become pregnant, you must use birth control while taking this drug and for some time after the last dose. Ask your doctor how long to use birth control. If you get pregnant, call your doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

Nail fungal infections:

• It may take a few weeks to months to see the full effect.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of electrolyte problems like mood changes; confusion; muscle pain, cramps, or spasms; weakness; shakiness; change in balance; an abnormal heartbeat; seizures; loss of appetite; or severe upset stomach or throwing up.
• Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, unusual thirst or hunger, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
• Signs of high or low blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
• Trouble passing urine.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Fever or chills.
• Change in eyesight.
• Feeling confused.
• Ringing in the ears, hearing loss, or any other changes in hearing.
• Swelling.
• Lowered interest in sex.
• Not able to get or keep an erection.
• Severe and sometimes deadly liver problems have rarely happened with this drug. Sometimes this happened within 7 days of starting this drug. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of liver problems like dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Headache.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Stomach pain or diarrhea.
• Runny nose.
• Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
• Decreased appetite.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All products:

• Keep taking this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• Take this drug at the same time of day.

Capsules:

• Take this drug with a full meal.
• If you have low stomach acid or you take another drug to lower stomach acid, talk with your doctor about how to take this drug. You may need to take this drug with an acidic drink like non-diet cola.
• Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

Liquid (solution):

• Take this drug without food.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure this drug.
• For fungal infections in the mouth or throat, swish in your mouth for a few seconds and swallow.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• 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.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All products:

• Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep lid tightly closed.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Liquid (solution):

• Do not freeze.

General drug facts

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2024-02-14

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