Itraconazole is an antifungal medication prescribed to treat a wide variety of fungal infections. It belongs to a class of drugs called azole antifungals, and it works by preventing fungi from growing, effectively stopping the infection in its tracks.
While itraconazole is a powerful tool in fighting fungal infections, it’s essential to be aware of potential itraconazole side effects, warnings, and precautions. Like all medications, itraconazole can cause unwanted effects in some individuals, and it can interact with other drugs you may be taking.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of what you need to know about itraconazole, from common and less common side effects to important warnings and precautions. Understanding these potential issues will help you use this medication safely and effectively, and it will allow you to have informed conversations with your healthcare provider.
What is Itraconazole?
Itraconazole is an antifungal medication that doctors use to treat a variety of fungal infections. It’s available in capsule and oral liquid forms, and the strength can vary depending on the prescription.
You might receive a prescription for itraconazole if you have any of the following fungal infections:
- You might receive a prescription for itraconazole if you have any of the following fungal infections, including: Onychomycosis (nail fungus) – similar to infections treated by Jublia
- Aspergillosis
- Histoplasmosis
- Blastomycosis
- Candidiasis
Common side effects of itraconazole
Like all medications, itraconazole can cause side effects. Most people who take itraconazole don’t have serious problems, but it’s good to know what to look for.
Common side effects of itraconazole are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Rash
These side effects are usually mild. They may fade away as your body gets used to the medication.
How to manage common side effects
Here are a few tips for dealing with the most common problems:
- Stay hydrated. Diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of water, clear broth, or electrolyte drinks to help your body stay in balance.
- Take itraconazole with food. Taking itraconazole capsules with food can reduce nausea.
- Ask about over-the-counter remedies. If you have diarrhea, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it’s OK to take an anti-diarrheal medication.
Serious side effects of itraconazole
Itraconazole is a powerful medication, and like all medications, it can have side effects. Most side effects are mild, but some can be serious. If you’re taking itraconazole, it’s important to know what to watch out for. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Heart-related issues
Itraconazole can cause or worsen congestive heart failure, so people with pre-existing heart conditions should be especially cautious when taking this medication.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the ankles or feet
- Unusual weight gain
Actionable tip: Report any heart-related symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately.
Liver problems
Itraconazole can cause liver damage. Symptoms include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Dark urine
- Persistent fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Your doctor may order regular blood tests to monitor your liver function during treatment.
Actionable tip: Report any signs of liver problems to a doctor immediately.
Allergic reactions
Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include:
- Rash
- Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat)
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble breathing
Actionable tip: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction.
Other serious side effects
Other serious side effects can include:
- Peripheral neuropathy: Nerve damage causing numbness, tingling, or pain in the extremities.
- Hearing loss: Itraconazole can cause hearing loss, which may be permanent in some cases.
- QT prolongation: A heart rhythm problem that can lead to serious complications.
Warnings and precautions
Before you take itraconazole, here are some important things to consider:
Contraindications: Who should NOT use itraconazole?
- People who have a history of heart failure should not take itraconazole.
- If you’re allergic to itraconazole or other azole antifungals, you should avoid this medication.
Important considerations
- Pregnancy: Itraconazole can be harmful to a developing fetus.
- Liver or kidney disease: If you have liver or kidney disease, it might affect how you can safely use itraconazole.
Special precautions
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider:
- About any medical conditions you have, especially if you have heart, liver, or kidney problems.
- About all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking. Some medications can interact with itraconazole, making it less effective or increasing your risk of side effects.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Avoid getting pregnant while you’re taking itraconazole and for at least two months after your last dose. Talk to your doctor about effective birth control methods.
- If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll need specific guidance from your healthcare provider about whether it’s safe to use itraconazole.
Driving and operating machinery
Itraconazole can sometimes cause dizziness or vision problems.
To be safe, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how itraconazole affects you.
Itraconazole drug interactions
Itraconazole can interact with other medications. That’s why it’s vital to make sure your healthcare provider knows about any other drugs you take.
Some interactions can be serious, while others may only require adjustments to your dosage or monitoring for side effects.
Significant interactions
Don’t take itraconazole with the following drugs without talking to your doctor.
- Certain heart medications: Some medicines for heart conditions shouldn’t be taken with itraconazole.
- Stomach acid reducers: Antacids, cimetidine, and proton pump inhibitors can change how well your body absorbs itraconazole. If you take antacids, take them one hour before or two hours after you take itraconazole.
- Cholesterol medications: Itraconazole can interact with statins, which are used to lower cholesterol. This can lead to a higher risk of muscle problems.
- Mental health medications: Some antidepressants and antipsychotics can interact with itraconazole.
How to manage drug interactions
Here’s how to handle drug interactions when you’re taking itraconazole:
- Make a list: Tell your healthcare provider about every medication, supplement, and herbal product you use.
- Consider dosage adjustments: Your healthcare provider might need to change the dose of itraconazole or other medications to lower the risk of interactions.
- Pay attention: Watch closely for any signs of side effects or if your medications don’t seem to be working as well as they should.
Specific drugs to avoid
Your doctor or pharmacist can give you a comprehensive list of medications you shouldn’t take with itraconazole.
Be sure to discuss all your medications with your healthcare provider to make sure itraconazole is safe for you.
Dosage and Administration
It’s really important to take itraconazole exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to. The way you take it depends on the formulation (capsule or oral solution) and what you’re treating.
Dosage Forms
Capsules
Take itraconazole capsules with food. Swallow them whole. Don’t open, chew, or crush them. This helps make sure the medicine works the way it’s supposed to.
Oral Solution
Take itraconazole oral solution on an empty stomach. That means at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after you eat. Use the special syringe or measuring cup that comes with the medicine to measure it carefully.
General Instructions
Follow Prescription Label
Read the prescription label and any guides or instructions that come with the medicine. If you have questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
Complete Full Course
Keep taking itraconazole for the full time your doctor prescribed, even if you start feeling better. Stopping too soon could let the infection come back.
Missed Dose
What to do
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But, if it’s almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed one and take the next dose at the regular time. Don’t take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Storage and Disposal
Proper Storage
- Keep itraconazole capsules at room temperature in a dry place, away from heat and moisture.
- If you’re taking the liquid form, keep it stored at or below 77°F (25°C).
Disposal Instructions
- If you have any leftover itraconazole, dispose of it properly. Don’t flush it down the toilet! Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of it in your area.
- No matter what medication you’re taking, it’s always a good idea to keep it safely out of the reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are itraconazole side effects?
Itraconazole side effects are fairly common, though their severity varies. Many people experience mild issues like nausea, abdominal pain, headache, or rash. More serious side effects, though less frequent, can include liver problems, heart failure, and severe allergic reactions. It’s important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
What is a common fruit to be avoided with medication?
Grapefruit is a fruit often advised to avoid when taking certain medications, including itraconazole. Grapefruit can interfere with the enzymes that break down the drug in your body, potentially leading to increased levels of the medication and a higher risk of side effects. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor for specific dietary restrictions.
Which is safer, fluconazole or itraconazole?
The safety profiles of fluconazole and itraconazole differ. Fluconazole generally has fewer drug interactions and may be better tolerated by some individuals. However, itraconazole can be more effective against certain types of fungal infections. The best choice depends on the specific infection, your overall health, and potential drug interactions, so consult with your healthcare provider.
Can fungus become resistant to itraconazole?
Yes, fungi can develop resistance to itraconazole over time, especially with prolonged or repeated use. This can make the medication less effective in treating the infection. Your doctor will monitor your progress and may consider alternative antifungal treatments if resistance is suspected.
What is better than itraconazole?
Whether an alternative is “better” than itraconazole depends entirely on the specific fungal infection being treated and the individual patient. Other antifungal medications, such as voriconazole, posaconazole, or amphotericin B, might be more effective or appropriate in certain situations. Your doctor will determine the most suitable treatment based on your specific needs and the type of fungal infection you have.
In Closing
Itraconazole is an antifungal medication that can cause a range of side effects, some of which can be serious, and should be taken at the correct itraconazole 200 mg dosage. It’s important to take itraconazole exactly as prescribed, to be aware of potential drug interactions, and to monitor yourself for any signs of adverse reactions. These can include things like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, swelling, or skin rashes.
If you have any concerns about itraconazole or its side effects, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t hesitate to report any side effects you experience, as this information can help improve the safety of this medication for others.