Manufacturer:
Janssen-Ortho Inc.

Generic Name:
itraconazole

Route:
oral

Why is it prescribed?

Sporanox® capsules contains itraconazole.

Itraconazole is used to treat many fungal infections. This material will be limited to the treatment of candidiasis (yeast) infections in the mouth and throat.

Side Effects

Sporanox® capsules contains itraconazole.

Along with its needed effects, itraconazole may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. The severity and duration of these effects are dependant on many factors including duration of therapy, dose, and individual response. The most common side effects that cause people to stop treatment either for a short time or completely include:

• skin rash
• oversensitivity to light
• high triglyceride test results
• high liver tests
• nausea
• bloating
• diarrhea

• headache
• dizziness
• menstrual disorders
• hair loss

Precautions and Warnings for Sporanox® capsules

Sporanox® capsules contains itraconazole

Itraconazole should be taken exactly as prescribed. Continue taking the medication until it is finished or it will prevent complete elimination of the fungi (e.g. yeast), causing the infection to return.
Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms: unusual fatigue, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine or pale stools, shortness of breath, unusual swelling of your feet, ankles or legs, sudden weight gain, unusual tiredness, cough up white or pink phelegm, or have unusual fast heartbeats.
In women of child bearing age, a reliable form of birth control should be used during therapy and for 2 months after stopping the itraconazole.
Even though a few children between the ages of 3 to 16 years have taken itraconazole safely, it has not been proven safe and effective.
Drug Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking to help avoid any serious drug interactions. The dose of one or both medications may need to be altered or a new drug may be prescribed. In some cases, one of the drugs may have to be discontinued. The following drugs or drug classes have been known to interact with itraconazole.

• digoxin (e.g. Lanoxin®)
• acid blockers (e.g. cimetidine)
• rifampin
• isoniazid
• warfarin (e.g. Coumadin®))
• cyclosporine (e.g. Neoral®)
• triazolam (e.g. Halcion®)
• phenytoin (e.g. Dilantin®)
• certain calcium channel blockers (e.g. nifedipine, amlodipine)
• ergot alkaloids (e.g. ergotamine)
• pimozide e.g. Orap®)
• cholesterol lowering medications (e.g. Mevacor®)

• allergy to itraconazole or any component of the preparation
• people with congestive heart failure

• liver disease
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• if given with certain drugs known to interact with itraconazole

Patient Information

Sporanox® capsules are taken on a once daily basis. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If more than several hours have passed or it is almost time for your next dose, do not double dose (unless you have been told to do so). Contact your pharmacist if you are not sure what to do.
For best absorption, Sporanox® capsules should be taken after a full meal. The capsules must be swallowed whole. If you are taking acid lowering medications (e.g. antacids), you should take these at least 1 hour before, or 2 hours after your Sporanox®.

Directions for Use

For candidal (e.g. yeast) infections of the mouth and throat the usual adult dose is 100 mg once daily for 2 weeks.

Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug

• candidiasis
• thrush
• yeast infection of the mouth and throat

Need More Information?

For more information contact your physician, pharmacist, other health care professional or for general questions call your local lung association.