Itraconazole is used to treat individuals with fungal infections.
What is Itraconazole?
Itraconazole kills sensitive fungi by interfering with the formation of the fungal cell membrane.
How should Itraconazole be taken?
Most often, Itraconazole is administered by a doctor via injection. However, it can also be taken orally in the form of capsules, tablets or solution. It is important not to transfer from one dosage form to another without first consulting with a doctor. The benefits of Itraconazole are greater if the drug is taken every day at the same hour.
Side effects associated with Itraconazole
In rare cases, itraconazole has been associated with severe liver damage. In addition, the drug can reduce heart function. For this reason, it is important to contact a doctor if the treatment is associated with symptoms such as:
- Liver problems
- Congestive heart failure
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Swollen abdomen
- Sensitivity to touch
- Jaundice
- Swelling of the hands, ankles, feet or abdomen
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Severe or persistent nausea and drowsiness
Among the other possible side effects of itraconazole include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Gas
- Headache
- Nausea
- Runny nose
- Stomach discomfort
- Vomiting
You should also contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Chest pains
- Cough with white or pink sputum
- Sexual problems
- Depression
- Fever
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Hair loss
- Urination problems
- Articular pains
- Loss of appetite
- Hearing loss
- Weakness, pain or muscle cramps
- Numbness, burning or tingling in hands, arms, legs or feet
- Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Redness, swelling, blistering or peeling of the skin
- Tinnitus
- Sensitivity to light
- Shortness of breath
- Upset stomach or severe back pain
- Sudden weight loss
- Insomnia
- Bleeding or bruising
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Vision problems
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Itraconazole
Itraconazole should not be taken in combination with cisapride, pimozide, quinidine, dofetilide, or levacetylmethadol. It is also important not to stop treatment earlier than planned.
Before starting treatment with Itraconazole, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drugs (in particular azole antifungals) or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: aldosterone antagonists, alprazolam, astemizole, cisapride, conivaptan, dofetilide, ergot derivatives, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, levacetil methadol, midazolam (oral use) nevirapine, nisolpidine, pimozide, quinazoline, quinidine, rifabutin, rifampicin, terfenadine, triazolam and 5-HT receptor antagonists
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from diabetes, heart problems, kidney or liver disease, HIV infection, a weakened immune system, respiratory diseases, hypochlorhydria, nerve disorders, fluid retention or swelling
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
You also need to remember that the Itraconazole can interfere with the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives and it can impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect can be aggravated by alcohol.
Lastly, it is important to inform surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with Itraconazole.
