Generic name: Itraconazole
Brand name: Sporanox
What is Sporanox?
Sporanox is a popular triazole antifungal drug. It is used to treat serious fungal or yeast infections, such as histoplasmosis (Darling’s disease), onychomycosis (fungal infection in the fingernails or toenails), blastomycosis (Gilchrist’s disease), oropharyngeal candidiasis (oral thrush, thrush), aspergillosis (fungal infection in the lungs) and esophageal candidiasis (candida esophagitis). This medicine works by killing the fungus or yeast and preventing its growth.
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while taking Sporanox unless your medic directs you otherwise.
Your doctor may prescribe this remedy for other purposes. Contact your physician if you need to learn more information about this drug.
Don’t stop treatment with Sporanox earlier than it was prescribed by your doctor even if you notice improvements of your condition. Stopping the medication too early may worsen your condition. Be careful about doing dangerous tasks, driving, operating machinery or climbing until you are aware how this drug affects you. Don’t drink alcohol. Always contact a medic before giving Sporanox to a child.
What symptoms or conditions should I report to a doctor before I take this medicine?
It is important to report to a doctor if you have or had the following conditions:
- heart disorders (such as heart rhythm problems)
- angina
- cystic fibrosis
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other problems with breathing
- kidney or liver disease
- allergy to itraconazole, other preservatives, medicines, dyes, foods
- diabetes
- a stomach infection or diarrhea
- pregnancy, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant
How to take Sporanox?
Note: This remedy was prescribed to you only. Do not share this medicament with others. Follow strictly your doctor’s prescription. Do not take more or longer than your doctor recommended.
Sporanox is available in the form of capsules and solution (liquid) to take orally. The usual starting dosage of this drug is 100-200 mg. It should be taken one to three times daily, at regular intervals.
Sporanox is taken with some liquid. It is important to drink several glasses of water each day while you are taking Sporanox to protect your kidneys. You may take it either with or without food. In order to minimize stomach irritation and help your body absorb the drug is advisable to combine with meals. The capsules should be swallowed whole. Do not crush, break, open or chew them. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medicament evenly. Use a specially marked measuring spoon or medicine cup to be sure of the correct dose.
The amount of Sporanox depends on medical condition and response to therapy. It is obviously to apply to your doctor before to take Sporanox. Follow your medic instructions thoroughly.
What should you do if you miss a dose of Sporanox?
In case you forgot to take the dose, take it at your earliest opportunity. Never double your dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Take only one dose at once.
What should you do if you overdose of Sporanox?
Any drug taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you are overdosed report to your medical practitioner at once.
What drug(s) may interact with Sporanox?
- diabetes medication
- cancer medications
- an antifungal medication such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche), or voriconazole (Vfend)
- fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic)
- seizure medication such as felbamate (Felbatol), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol), phenytoin (Dilantin), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), or primidone (Mysoline)
- heart or blood pressure medications such as diltiazem (Cartia, Tiazac, Cardizem), amlodipine (Norvasc), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), felodipine (Plendil), verapamil (Verelan, Covera, Calan, Isoptin)
- sirolimus (Rapamune) or tacrolimus (Prograf)
- a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Solfoton)
- cyclosporine (Gengraf, Sandimmune, Neoral)
- disopyramide (Norpace)
- a sedative such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium)
- isoniazid (for treating tuberculosis)
- a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin)
- cholesterol medications such as atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin)
- rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater, Rifamate), or rifapentine (Priftin)
- an antibiotic (clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), telithromycin (Ketek) or troleandomycin (Tao))
- an antidepressant such as nefazodone, paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft)
- HIV/AIDS medicine such as atazanavir (Reyataz), delavirdine (Rescriptor), efavirenz (Sustiva), etravirine (Intelence), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), nevirapine (Viramune), saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase), or ritonavir (Norvir)
This list of interactions may be not complete. Provide your medical practitioners entire list of medicines, herbs, dietary supplements or non-prescription drugs you take. Moreover tell them whether you drink alcohol, use illegal drugs or smoke. Particular items may interact with your drug.
Which side effects can I perceive from this remedy?
- Allergic reaction (swelling of your face, throat, tongue or lips; hives; skin rash or swelling; itching; difficulty breathing)
- Problems with breathing, tightness in the chest, fluid on the lungs (pulmonary oedema)
- Difficulty urinating (urinary retention), dark urine
- Fever, chills
- Fatigue, faintness
- Menstrual disorders, erectile dysfunction (impotence)
- Low blood potassium level (hypokalaemia)
- Nausea, vomiting
- Headache, dizziness, ringing in your ears or hearing loss
- Indigestion, or upset stomach, bloating, stomach gas, pain or cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Loss of appetite
- Liver problems, yellowing eyes, skin, inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
If these persist or worsen, make known to your doctor straightway. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. If you notice other effects not stated above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How should Sporanox be stored?
Sporanox should be stored at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F), in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture, direct heat, and light. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep Sporanox out of the reach of children and away from animals.
Warning: Before taking the drug you need to consult your doctor.
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