Onmel

Onmel is a medication that fights fungal infections, which are infections caused by fungi. Doctors prescribe Itraconazole to treat blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, aspergillosis, onychomycosis (fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails), particularly in patients with very weak immune systems.

Fungal infections cannot be treated with antibiotics. Fungal infections must be treated with antifungals like Itraconazole. Itraconazole, in particular, is well absorbed when taken by mouth and have strong activity against many species of disease-causing fungi. Itraconazole requires a prescription.

Itraconazole comes with a boxed warning. Itraconazole is associated with severe adverse effects in the heart and must be used with caution in patients with suspected heart diseases.

Many medications also interact with Itraconazole and cause life-threatening side effects. You must only use Itraconazole in accordance with doctor’s instructions.

Your doctor will inform you of what you need to know before using Onmel. Do not take Onmel if you have congestive heart failure.

Doing so may result in adverse heart functioning and worse of symptoms. Mention all of your health conditions before using Itraconazole.

The doctor needs to know if you have the following conditions before prescribing Itraconazole:

• Any heart disease
• Any condition that causes abnormal heart rhythms
• Any health condition that affects the blood vessels and circulation
• History of stroke
• Lung problems, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease including cirrhosis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Having personal or family history of long QT syndrome, a rare heart rhythm disorder

Itraconazole is a highly contraindicated in pregnant patients, so tell the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before receiving the medication. Itraconazole is an FDA pregnancy category C drug and can cause harm to the unborn baby. Do not breastfeed when having treatment with Itraconazole.

You need to tell the doctor all the medicines you are taking before receiving Itraconazole.

Certain medications are known to cause life-threatening health problems when taken with Itraconazole, such as:

• Cisapride
• Eplenerone
• Irinotecan
• Methadone
• Ranolazine
• Ticagrelor
• Tamsulosin
• Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Quinidine
• Felodipine and Nisoldipine
• Lovastatin and Simvastatin;
• Oral Midazolam, Triazolam;
• Lurasidone, Pimozide;
• Dihydroergotamine, Ergonovine, Ergotamine, and Methylergonovine

Using Itraconazole with drugs like Colchicine, Fesoterodine, Telithromycin And Solifenacin can cause toxicities in patients with certain kidney and liver conditions.

Here are drugs that can interact with Itraconazole:

• Antacids
• Antibiotics
• Drugs indicated to treat convulsions
• Antiviral drugs
• Strong analgesics such as Alfentanil, Buprenorphine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone, and Sufentanil
• Digoxin
• Antidiabetic drugs such as Repaglinide and Saxagliptin
• Praziquantel
• Drugs for a migraine
• Anticancer drugs
• Drugs for relieving anxiety
• Sleeping pills
• Drugs for treating mental disorders
• Nadolol
• Atorvastitin
• Cinacalcet

To use Onmel properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. The doctor will determine your dose of Onmel.

It is very important to follow your doctor’s instructions in taking Onmel and do not increase the dose or take longer than recommended to avoid adverse effects.

Itraconazole is available in capsules and solution that you take by mouth. Note that capsules and solution are not interchangeable.

If you are taking Itraconazole capsules, take them with a full meal to improve absorption. Swallow Itraconazole capsules whole, and do not break, chew, open or crush the capsules.

Itraconazole solution must be taken on an empty stomach, 1 or 2 hours before a meal. You also have to swish Itraconazole solution in the mouth for several seconds before swallowing. Always use the included dosing syringe or special dose-measuring cup or spoon in taking Itraconazole solution. If you do not have a measuring device, call your pharmacist.

If you are taking an antacid, you can take Itraconazole with a non-diet soda and other acidic drinks.

Always finish the entire course of treatment. You may start feeling better even before the infection is totally cleared. Skipping the medicine may cause the fungi to acquire resistance to Itraconazole.

If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and stick to the regular dosing schedule.

If you skipped several doses of Itraconazole, call the doctor right away. Store Itraconazole away from heat, moisture and light. Do not freeze.

In using Onmel, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. Note that you need to have regular lab tests to check your organs and blood for early signs of side effects while taking Onmel. Make sure to stick to your doctor’s schedule.

Onmel may cause hearing loss, especially if you also took Quinidine. Call your doctor right away if you experience profound hearing loss. Itraconazole may impair thinking and reflexes. Be careful when you drive or perform crucial tasks.

Note that antacid may reduce absorption of Itraconazole. You need to avoid antacids for 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking Itraconazole.

Onmel may cause the following side effects, which are severe and requires immediate medical attention:

• Severe allergic reactions such as
  • hives,
  • skin rash,
  • itching,
  • tingling in the arms and legs,
  • difficulty breathing,
  • chest tightness,
  • swelling of the face, mouth, lips and throat
• Symptoms of liver problem such as
  • upper stomach pain,
  • nausea,
  • dark urine,
  • itching,
  • loss of appetite,
  • fatigue,
  • passing out clay-colored stools
  • jaundice
• Symptoms of congestive heart failure such as
  • shortness of breath,
  • a cough with mucus,
  • rapid heartbeats,
  • swelling in the body,
  • rapid weight gain
  • sleep problems
• Passing little or no urine
• Confusion
• Ringing in the ears
• Problems with hearing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Loss of bladder control
• Blurred or double vision
• Severe pain in the upper stomach that spreads in the back

Onmel may cause the following minor side effects, which are not harmful to the health:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Hair loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Constipation
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Joint pains
• Change in menses
• Sexual difficulties, like impotence and erection problems
• Unpleasant or unusual changes in taste