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 the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

For all uses of this drug:

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

Nail fungal infections:

• If your child is pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not give this drug to your child during pregnancy.

This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.

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

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

For all uses of this drug:

• Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have your child avoid tasks or actions that call for alertness until you see how this drug affects your child. These are things like riding a bike, playing sports, or using items such as scissors, lawnmowers, electric scooters, toy cars, or motorized vehicles.
• If your child has dizziness or a change in eyesight, have your child avoid tasks or actions that could be unsafe.
• Have your child’s blood work checked often. Talk with your child’s doctor.
• If your child has high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your child’s blood sugar closely.
• Do not give to your child longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
• Alcohol may interact with this drug. Be sure your child does not 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 your child is or may be sexually active:

• Have your child use birth control while taking this drug and for some time after the last dose. Ask the doctor how long your child must use birth control. If your child becomes pregnant, call the doctor right away.

If your child is breast-feeding a baby:

• Tell the doctor if your child is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about any risks to the 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 child’s 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 child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has 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.
• Severe and sometimes deadly liver problems have rarely happened with this drug. Sometimes this happened within 7 days of starting this drug. Call the doctor right away if your child has 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.

If your child is or may be sexually active:

• Lowered interest in sex.
• Not able to get or keep an erection.

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 child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child 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 child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All products:

• Keep giving this drug to your child as you have been told by your child’s doctor or other health care provider, even if your child feels well.
• Give this drug at the same time of day.

Capsules:

• Give capsule with a full meal.
• If your child has low stomach acid or your child takes another drug to lower stomach acid, talk with your child’s doctor about how to give this drug. You may need to give this drug with an acidic drink like non-diet cola.
• Have your child swallow whole. Do not let your child chew, break, or crush.

Liquid (solution):

• Give 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, have your child swish in the mouth for a few seconds and swallow.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child’s next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
• Do not give 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 child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
• Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s 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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