Sporanox (Itraconazole)

What is Sporanox?

Sporanox is an azole antifungal agent with synthetic Triazole.

What is Sporanox used for?

Three main types of serious fungal infections that can be treated with Sporanox are histoplasmosis, blastomycosis and aspergillosi. The first fungal infection hits the lungs, blood and heart, second affects lungs, skin and bone, and the third one affects kidneys, lungs and other organs. Onychomycosis, which affects fingernails and toenails, is another condition for which this drug is prescribed by the doctors. Fungal infections of esophagus, throat and mouth can be treated by giving oral solution of Sporanox.

How does Sporanox work?

Sporanox works by interfering with the formation of fungal cell membrane and thus, killing sensitive fungi.

How to use Sporanox

It is important to read the leaflet provided with the medicine before you start with the medicine dosage and when you get it refilled. Sporanox is to be taken once or twice a day with a meal or as the doctor directs you by considering your medical condition.

The medicine can be prescribed from one week to one month till the completion of therapy. Take the medicine at equal intervals. Even if the symptoms disappear, one should continue taking the medicine till the prescribed period or there are chances of infection. If you have less or no amount of stomach acid, take this medicine with cola drink. Do not jump from capsules to solutions without proper consultation from your doctor.

Sporanox warnings and precautions

Do let your doctor know about your liver, heart, lung or kidney disease history along with any allergies that you have faced in the past before you start taking the medicine. Also let him know if you have reduced levels of stomach acid and high blood pressure.

Alcohol is to be avoided when you are taking this medicine as it can give rise to serious liver problems. Also, Sporanox induces dizziness and thus, no work that requires attention should be done following consumption of the medicine.

This medicine should be avoided by pregnant ladies and older adults. It can harm a fetus and can lead to loss of hearing ability in adults. Pregnant women should not use this medicine if they develop a nail infection. Women should take this medicine after two to three days of their menstrual cycle have passed so as to make sure that they are not pregnant. Men and women should take proper contraceptives and precautions during the therapy and for two months after the therapy. Lactating women should avoid taking this medicine or get in touch with their doctors before they start breastfeeding.

What do I do if I have missed a Sporanox dose?

If you have missed your Sporanox dose you should take it as soon as you are reminded of it. If the time to take the next dose is near, skip the previous one and take the usual dose. Double doses should not be taken.

What do I do if I have taken a Sporanox overdose?

If you have taken a Sporanox overdose you should contact the nearest poison control center immediately. You can also call an emergency room or your physician.

Sporanox interactions

Some of the medicines may react with Sporanox. There are certain prescription and non prescription drugs that are used to treat HIV, anxiety, infections and seizures, diabetes, heart problems, allergies, blood thinning, migraines, cancer prostate problems, erectile dysfunction, urinary problems, pain, irregular heartbeat, immune system suppression and contraception. Using these drugs with Sporanox can lead to serious health consequences.

Let your doctor know if you are taking Rifabutin, Nevirapine, Rifampin, Cisapride, Dofetilide, Astemizole, nisoldipine, levacetymethadol, pimozide, terfenadine, quinidine, as they may lessen the effectiveness of Sporanox and lead to increased effects on heart. Some other medicines that react with Sporanox and lead to breathing problems and sedation risks are Midazolam, Alprazolam and Triazolam.

Some drugs with more side effects like Aldosterone blockers, ergot alkaloids, conivaptan, quinazolines, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and 5-HT receptor agonists should not be taken in tandem with Sporanox as it might increase the side effects.

Sporanox side effects

Some of the side effects of Sporanox include anxiety, fatigue, diarrhea, fever, headache, gas, indigestion, high blood pressure, muscle pain, injury, nasal and sinus inflammation, pain, nausea, rashes, swelling due to water retention, respiratory infection, vomiting and urinary infection.

There may be some additional side effects that one can face when taking Sporanox oral solution. These are blood in the urine, chest pain, dehydration, cough, backache, breathing difficulty, swallowing trouble, hot flushes, hemorrhoids, insomnia, inflamed mouth, pneumonia, sweating, weight loss, vision problems and shivering.

If you are being treated for onychomycosis, there may be some side effects like stomach and intestinal disorders, headache, rashes, low blood pressure, vertigo, sick feeling, muscle pain and feeling of light-headedness while standing up.