Why is Sporanox prescribed?

Sporanox capsules are used to treat three types of serious fungal infection: blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and aspergillosis. Blastomycosis can affect the lungs, bones, and skin. Histoplasmosis can affect the lungs, heart, and blood. Aspergillosis can affect the lungs, kidneys, and other organs. The drug is also prescribed for onychomycosis, which infects the toenails and fingernails. Additionally, Sporanox is used against fungal infections in people with weak immune systems, such as AIDS patients.

Sporanox oral solution is used to treat candidiasis (fungal infection) of the mouth, throat, and gullet (esophagus), and for other fungal infections in people with weakened immunity and fever.

How should this medicine be used?

Itraconazole comes as a capsule and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. Itraconazole capsules are usually taken with a full meal one to three times a day for at least 3 months. When itraconazole capsules are used to treat fungal infections of the fingernails, they are usually taken twice a day for one week, not taken at all for three weeks, and then taken twice a day for an additional week. Itraconazole solution is usually taken on an empty stomach once or twice a day for 1 to 4 weeks or longer. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take itraconazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor may tell you to take itraconazole capsules with a cola soft drink if you have certain medical conditions or are taking any of the following medications: cimetidine (Tagamet); famotidine (Pepcid); nizatadine (Axid); proton-pump inhibitors such as esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), and rabeprazole (AcipHex); or ranitidine (Zantac) Follow these directions carefully.

To take itraconazole oral solution for fungal infections of the mouth or throat, swish 10 mL (about 2 teaspoons) of the solution in your mouth for a few seconds and swallow. Repeat if necessary until you have taken your entire dose.

Itraconazole capsules and oral solution are absorbed into the body in different ways and work to treat different conditions. Do not substitute the capsules for the liquid or the liquid for the capsules. Be sure that your pharmacist gives you the form of itraconazole that your doctor prescribed.

Your doctor may tell you to take higher doses of itraconazole or to take itraconazole more often at the beginning of your treatment. Follow these directions carefully.

If you are taking itraconazole to treat a nail infection, your nails will probably not look healthier until new nails grow. It can take up to 6 months to grow a new fingernail and up to 12 months to grow a new toenail, so you should not expect to see improvement during your treatment or for several months afterward. Continue to take itraconazole even if you do not see any improvement.

Continue to take itraconazole until your doctor tells you to stop even if you feel well. Do not stop taking itraconazole without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking itraconazole too soon, your infection may come back after a short time.

How should you take Sporanox?

Take Sporanox exactly as prescribed. To make sure the capsules are properly absorbed, you should take them after a full meal; the oral solution should be taken without food. A cola drink can help some people absorb the capsules better. Continue taking Sporanox until all the medication is gone. Do not take antacids within 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking Sporanox.

Swish the oral solution, 10 milliliters at a time, in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing it.

Mouth and throat candidiasis should clear up in several days.

The oral solution and capsules cannot be used interchangeably.

• If you miss a dose...
  Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose.

• Storage instructions...
  Store at room temperature. Protect the capsules from light and moisture. Do not freeze the oral solution.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Itraconazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• diarrhea or loose stools
• constipation
• gas
• stomach pain
• heartburn
• sore or bleeding gums
• sores in or around the mouth
• headache
• dizziness
• sweating
• muscle pain
• decreased sexual desire or ability
• nervousness
• depression
• runny nose and other cold symptoms
• unusual dreams

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

• excessive tiredness
• loss of appetite
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• dark urine
• pale stools
• tingling or numbness of the hands or feet
• fever, chills, or other signs of infection
• frequent or painful urination
• shaking hands that you cannot control
• rash
• hives
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

One of the ingredients in itraconazole oral solution caused cancer in some types of laboratory animals. It is not known whether people who take itraconazole solution have an increased risk of developing cancer. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking itraconazole solution.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.