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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking itraconazole (Sporanox, Sporanox PulsePak)?

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

• cisapride (Propulsid);
• dofetilide (Tikosyn);
• lovastatin (Advicor, Altocor, Altoprev, Mevacor) or simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin);
• midazolam (Versed) or triazolam (Halcion);
• nisoldipine (Sular);
• pimozide (Orap);
• quinidine (Quin-G); and
• ergot medicines such as dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), ergonovine (Ergotrate), ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot, Ercaf, Migergot), or methylergonovine (Methergine).

To make sure you can safely take itraconazole, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, circulation problems, or a history of stroke;
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other breathing disorder;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• cystic fibrosis; or
• a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether itraconazole will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Itraconazole passes into breast milk and can harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take itraconazole (Sporanox, Sporanox PulsePak)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

The itraconazole tablet should be taken after a full meal.

Take itraconazole oral solution (liquid) on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Swish the liquid in your mouth for several seconds before swallowing it.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

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 full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Itraconazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your liver function will need to be checked with frequent blood tests. Visit your doctor regularly.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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