Generic Sporanox (Itraconazole)

Common use

Sporanox is an azole antifungal medicine which used used to treat three types of serious fungal infection: blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and aspergillosis. Sporanox works by killing sensitive fungi by interfering with the formation of the fungal cell membrane. This medication is also prescribed for onychomycosis, which infects the toenails and fingernails.

Dosage and direction

Take it orally with or without food/milk. For the best result take it at the same time each day. Dosage of Sporanox is various from type of infection:

1. Treatment of Blastomycosis and Histoplasmosis:

The recommended dose for adults is 200 mg once daily. Do not use more than 400 mg daily.

For children – use it just after doctor’s permission and dose has to be prescribed after consulting with your doctor.

2. Treatment of Aspergillosis:

The recommended dose for adults is of 200 to 400 mg.

For children – use it just after doctor’s permission and dose has to be prescribed after consulting with your doctor.

3. Treatment in Life-Threatening Situations:

The recommended dose for adults is 200 mg three times daily (600 mg/day) be given for the first 3 days of treatment. Length of treatment should be more than three months and until clinical parameters and laboratory tests indicate that the active fungal infection has subsided.

For children – use it just after doctor’s permission and dose has to be prescribed after consulting with your doctor.

4. Treatment of Onychomycosis (toenails with or without fingernail involvement):

The recommended dose fr adults is 200 mg once daily for 12 consecutive weeks.

For children – use it just after doctor’s permission and dose has to be prescribed after consulting with your doctor.

5. Treatment of Onychomycosis (Ffngernails only) :

The recommended dose for adults is 2 treatment pulses, each consisting of 200 mg for 1 week.

For children – use it just after doctor’s permission and dose has to be prescribed after consulting with your doctor.

Note: this instruction presented here just for review. It’s very necessary to consult with your doctor before using. It help you to get best results.

Precautions

Sporanox can have a negative effect on the heart. It should not be used for fungal nail infections if your medical history include cardiac problems such as congestive heart failure. Before taking Sporanox, tell your doctor if your medical history include: a heart rhythm disorder, kidney or liver disease, a breathing disorder, cystic fibrosis, or a history of “Long QT syndrome.” Do not take antacids within 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking Sporanox. Sporanox should not be used during pregnancy, becoming pregnant or lactating without doctor’s advice. Do not use it before breast-feeding without doctor’s permission.

Contraindications

Sporano is not allowed to people who are hypersensitive to itraconazole or similar medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan) or ketoconazole (Nizoral), if you have ever had congestive heart failure.

Possible side effect

They may include an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Also the most possible side effects include:

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;

nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, weakness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious include:

diarrhea, constipation, mild stomach pain;

mild itching or skin rash;

headache, dizziness;

runny nose or other cold symptoms.

If you experience one of them stop using Sporanox and tell your doctor as soon as possible. Also consult with your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual.

Drug interaction

Sporanox interact with follow list of drugs: cisapride, dihydroergotamine, dofetilide, ergonovine, ergotamine, lovastatin, methylergonovine, midazolam, nisoldipine, pimozide, quinidine, Quinidex, Quin-Release, simvastatin , or triazolam. Also note that interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. As usual it affects the the effect of drugs, so consult with your doctor about how it interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.