Itraconazole Oral uses, dosage, side effects, and brand name.
| Generic name | Itraconazole |
| Brand name | Candiforce 200 Capsule, IT Mac 200 Capsule, Canditral 200 Capsule, Fungikem 200 Capsule, I Tyza 200 Capsule, Ceastra 100 Capsule, Itrasys 100 Capsule, Itratuf 100 Capsule, Syntran 100 Capsule, |
| Drug Type | Antifungal |
| Uses | Fungal infection, Candidiasis, Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis, Endocarditis, Pericarditis, Fungal nail infection, Bone infection, Septic arthritis |
| Dosage | As prescribed by the doctor |
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Route of administration | Oral |
| Side Effects | Constipation, Edema, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Rhinitis, Abdominal gas, Dyspepsia, Dizziness, Anxiety, Fatigue, Pancreatic edema, Bradycardia, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Angioedema |
| Contraindications | Diabetes, Coronary artery disease, Heart disease, Liver disease, Calcium deficiency, Potassium deficiency, Cystic fibrosis |
| Drug Interactions | Felodipine, Ergotamine, Nifedipine, Pimozide, Midazolam, Metronidazole, Mifepristone, Simvastatin, Chlorpromazine, Phenoxybenzamine, Tamsulosin, Quetiapine |
What is Itraconazole?
Itraconazole is an antifungal drug. It is used to prevent or treat Fungal infections.
Itraconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat various types of fungal infections. It is used for the treatment and prevention of fungal infections in mouth, throat, skin, toes, nails, etc.
This medicine is available in the following dosage forms:
- Capsule
- Oral solution
- Injection
How does itraconazole work?
Itraconazole mainly works by inhibiting the growth of different types of fungus.
It inhibits the synthesis of fungal cell membranes (ergosterol), resulting in stunted growth of the fungus.
How to take Itraconazole?
- Itraconazole is usually available in the form of capsules, oral suspension, and injection.
- It is best to take it by mouth with a glass of water after a meal.
- The capsule should never be chewed or crushed. It should be swallowed whole.
- If Itraconazole Capsule is prescribed to be taken more than once a day then there should be an equal time gap between both doses.
- It is advised to read the pack label thoroughly before consuming the medicine.
Uses of Itraconazole
Itraconazole oral capsule is prescribed for the following conditions and disorders.
- Fungal infection
- Candidiasis
- Histoplasmosis
- Blastomycosis
- Endocarditis
- Pericarditis
- Fungal nail infection
- Bone infection
- Septic arthritis
Common Dosage for Itraconazole
The dosage of Itraconazole oral capsule is prescribed by the doctor as per the age, weight, mental condition, allergy history, and health condition of each individual.
The common adult dose of Itraconazole is a single capsule once or twice a day with an interval of at least 4-6 hours between two doses.
Always take the dose with or after a meal to prevent any gastric irritation.
There should be an equal time interval between both doses.
Long-term use of Itraconazole oral capsule may cause health hazards. So consult your doctor before taking it for a long time.
It is advisable to give this medicine to children only after a pediatric consultation.
Always drink plenty of fluids to counteract the possible side effects of the drug.
Side effects of Itraconazole
The side effects associated with Itraconazole are as follows:
- Constipation
- Edema
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Rhinitis
- Abdominal gas
- Dyspepsia
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Pancreatic edema
- Bradycardia
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Angioedema
When to Avoid Itraconazole?
The use of Itraconazole in the following conditions and disorders may cause serious health issues. So do not consume Itraconazole oral capsule if:
- Diabetes
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Calcium deficiency
- Potassium deficiency
- Cystic fibrosis
Drug interactions of Itraconazole
Common drug interactions of Itraconazole have been observed with the following drugs:
- Felodipine
- Ergotamine
- Nifedipine
- Pimozide
- Midazolam
- Metronidazole
- Mifepristone
- Simvastatin
- Chlorpromazine
- Phenoxybenzamine
- Tamsulosin
- Quetiapine
Storage requirements for Itraconazole
Keep the Itraconazole oral capsule in a dry place away from direct heat or sunlight.
Store this medicine at a room temperature.
Keep it in a place out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help immediately.
Brand name of Itraconazole in India
| Substitute | Manufactured by | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Candiforce 200 Capsule | Mankind Pharma Ltd | Rs 157.50 |
| IT Mac 200 Capsule | Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | Rs 189 |
| Canditral 200 Capsule | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd | Rs 240 |
| Fungikem 200 Capsule | Alkem Laboratories Ltd | Rs 154 |
| I Tyza 200 Capsule | Abbott India Ltd | Rs 202.40 |
| Ceastra 100 Capsule | Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd | Rs 174.90 |
| Itrasys 100 Capsule | Systopic Laboratories Pvt Ltd | Rs 39 |
| Itratuf 100 Capsule | Alkem Laboratories Ltd | Rs 232.50 |
| Syntran 100 Capsule | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd | Rs 220 |
FAQs – Questions Answered about Itraconazole
Q. Is it safe to take Itraconazole?
Yes, this medicine is absolutely safe to consume. However, if you experience any health problems after taking this medicine, contact your doctor.
Q. What happens if I overdose on Itraconazole?
No, taking more than the recommended dosage can cause serious health problems. Hence, always take this medicine as prescribed and seek immediate medical attention in case of any symptoms of overdose.
Q. What happens if I take Itraconazole for a long time?
Long-term use of Itraconazole oral capsule may increase the risk of certain other health issues. Therefore it is better to consult a doctor before using it for a long time.
Q. What happens if I miss a dose of Itraconazole?
You should never miss the dosage prescribed by the doctor. If it is missed, consume it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is time for the second dose, avoid a double dose as it can lead to an overdose.
Q. What happens if I take an expired Itraconazole?
Taking expired Itraconazole oral capsule may have the desirable effect or cause side-effects. Always check the expiry date before buying it.
Q. What if I stop taking Itraconazole after my condition has improved?
No, discontinuing this medication will not completely cure your condition for which it has been prescribed. Therefore, consult your doctor before abruptly discontinuing or changing this medicine, even if you experience an improvement in your condition.
Q. Is it safe to drive after taking Itraconazole?
Yes, it is very safe to drive after taking an Itraconazole oral capsule. However, if you experience any side effects, you should avoid driving.
Q. What happens if I take Itraconazole with alcohol?
No, it is not advisable to take alcohol with this medicine. Because alcohol may reduce the effectiveness of the drug and cause difficulty in achieving the desired results.
Summary
Itraconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat or prevent fungal infections on the skin.
It is used to prevent or treat fungal infections such as candidiasis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, endocarditis, pericarditis, fungal nail infections, bone infections, and septic arthritis.
References:
- Pierard, G. E., Arrese, J. E., & Pierard-Franchimont, C. (2000). Itraconazole. Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy, 1(2), 287–304. https://doi.org/10.1517/14656566.1.2.287
