Itraconazole

What is itraconazole?

Itraconazole (also called Sporanox^®) is used to treat fungal infections. It is available as a 100-mg blue-and-pink capsule and as a clear yellowish liquid taken by mouth.

How to take itraconazole

• Always take the capsules with a full meal (best if taken with high-fat food and acidic beverage, for example peanut butter and cola or fruit juice).
• Take the liquid on an empty stomach about one (1) hour before a meal or 2 to 3 hours after a meal.

Possible side effects of itraconazole

Early

• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach upset

Later (usually more than a day after treatment starts)

• Feeling dizzy
• Diarrhea
• Temporary changes in liver function
• Rash
• Itching
• Fever
• Headache

These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

In case of a severe side effect or reaction, call the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist at 901-595-3300. If you are outside the Memphis area, dial toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833), and press 0 once the call is connected.

Special instructions for itraconazole

• Store itraconazole at room temperature. Do not refrigerate the liquid.
• Itraconazole may affect the way many other medicines work. These medicines include:
  • Warfarin
  • Ritonavir
  • Oral midazola
  • Cholesterol-lowering medicines
  • Digoxin
  • Medicines used to supress the immune system in transplant patients: cyclosporine, sirolimus, and tacrolimus
  • Methylprednisolone
  • Oral medicines for diabetes
  • These and other chemotherapy medicines: vincristine, vinblastine, etoposide, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, idarubicin, mitoxantrone, ifosfamide, and cyclophosphamide.
• Several medicines can affect how itraconazole works. These medicines include:
  • Antacids
  • Phenytoin
  • Phenobarbital
  • Didanosine
  • Isoniazid
  • Rifampin
  • Omeprazole
  • Ranitidine
  • Famotidine
• Always give a complete list of medicines you are taking to your doctor or pharmacist. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new vitamins, herbals, or other medicines while you are taking itraconazole.
• During long-term treatment, blood will be drawn to check for changes in liver function and to check levels of potassium and itraconazole in the blood.
• If you have increased fatigue, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stool, tell your doctor right away. These symptoms could mean that itraconazole is severely affecting your liver function.