Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Sporanox

Generic Name: itraconazole (Pronunciation: IT ra KON a zole)

• What is itraconazole (Sporanox)?
• What are the possible side effects of itraconazole (Sporanox)?
• What is the most important information I should know about itraconazole (Sporanox)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking itraconazole (Sporanox)?
• How should I take itraconazole (Sporanox)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Sporanox)?
• What happens if I overdose (Sporanox)?
• What should I avoid while taking itraconazole (Sporanox)?
• What other drugs will affect itraconazole (Sporanox)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is itraconazole (Sporanox)?

Itraconazole is an antifungal medication.

Itraconazole is used to treat infections caused by fungus, which can invade any part of the body including the lungs, mouth or throat, toenails, or fingernails.

Itraconazole may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Sporanox 100 mg

gray/pink, imprinted with JANSSEN, SPORANOX 100

What are the possible side effects of itraconazole (Sporanox)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fever;
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• problems with hearing;
• numbness or tingly feeling;
• pain or burning when you urinate; or
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, weakness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• diarrhea, constipation, mild stomach pain;
• mild itching or skin rash;
• headache, dizziness; or
• runny nose or other cold symptoms.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about itraconazole (Sporanox)?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to itraconazole or similar medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan) or ketoconazole (Nizoral), if you have ever had congestive heart failure, or if you are pregnant or may become pregnant during treatment.

You should not take itraconazole together with cisapride (Propulsid), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), dofetilide (Tikosyn), ergonovine (Ergotrate), ergotamine (Ergomar), lovastatin (Altocor, Altoprev, Mevacor), methylergonovine (Methergine), midazolam (Versed), nisoldipine (Sular), pimozide (Orap), quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex, Quin-Release), simvastatin (Zocor), or triazolam (Halcion).

Other drugs that should not be taken together with itraconazole include astemizole (Hismanal), or levomethadyl Orlaam) (these drugs are no longer available in the U.S.).

There are many other medicines that can interact with itraconazole. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Before taking itraconazole, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, a history of stroke, a heart rhythm disorder, kidney or liver disease, a breathing disorder, cystic fibrosis, or a history of "Long QT syndrome."

Itraconazole capsules should not be used in place of itraconazole oral solution (liquid) if that is what your doctor has prescribed. Make sure you have received the correct type of this medication at the pharmacy and ask the pharmacist if you have any questions.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.