Sporanox (Itraconazole) is a drug used in the treatment of fungal infections. Doctors prescribe Sporanox to treat fungal infections such as blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, sporotrichosis, aspergillosis and onychomycosis, candidiasis of the mouth, throat, and esophagus (esophageal candidiasis).
Sporanox is available as a capsule containing 100 mg of itraconazole. It is also available as an oral solution and as an injection. All forms of Sporanox requires a prescription.
Sporanox should be used with care in patients with heart disease, liver disease, or with other medical conditions. Many drugs can also interact with Sporanox that increase the risk of serious side effects. Only use Sporanox with doctor’s supervision.
The doctor will consider the following before prescribing Sporanox.
Allergies
Tell the doctor if you experienced allergies to Sporanox before. You cannot use Sporanox if you are allergic to it.
Health conditions
Make sure to tell the doctor all of your medical problems before taking Sporanox. The doctor need to know if you have any of the following health problems, in which you must use Sporanox with precaution:
- Heart disease such as heart failure, long QT syndrome, and problems with heart rhythm
- Personal or family history of stroke or long QT syndrome
- Problems in blood circulation
- Breathing disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Kidney problems
- Cystic fibrosis
- Liver problems such as cirrhosis
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Do not take Sporanox if you are pregnant. Sporanox is an FDA pregnancy category C drug, which means it can cause harm to the fetus when given to pregnant patients.
Do not breastfeed if you are taking Sporanox. Sporanox can be expressed into breastmilk and cause harm to the child.
Drug interactions
Sporanox can interact with certain medicines and cause adverse effects. You can prevent this by telling to the doctor all the drugs you take before taking Sporanox. The doctor needs to know if you take the following drugs:
- Alfuzosin
- Benzodiazepines such as Midazolam, Triazolam, Alprazolam, Diazepam, or Estazolam
- Conivaptan
- Eletriptan
- Eplerenone
- Ivabradine
- Ranolazine
- Vardenafil
- Amiodarone
- Calcium channel blockers such as Verapamil or Nifedipine
- Macrolide antibiotics including Erythromycin
- Cimetidine
- Isoniazid
- Rifamycins including:
- Rifabutin
- Efavirenz
- Nevirapine
- Certain anti-seizure medicines including Carbamazepine and Phenytoin
- Certain antiarrhythmic medications such as Disopyramide or Digoxin
- Certain anticancer drugs such as Busulfan. Docetaxel, Vinblastine, Sunitinib, Lapatinib, or Dasatinib
- Certain immunosuppressants such as Tacrolimus, Cyclosporine, or Sirolimus
- Atorvastatin
- HIV medications such as Indinavir, Ritonavir, or Saquinavir
- Antidiabetic drugs
- Halofantrine
- Alfentanil
- Fentanyl
- Solifenacin
- Buspirone
- Repaglinide
- Certain glucocorticosteroids such as Dexamethasone or Budesonide
- Certain drugs for male erectile problems such as Sildenafil or Ortadalafil
- Trimetrexate
- Aripiprazole
- Trazodone
- Tolterodine
- Blood thinners such as Warfarin
- Cilostazol
The doctor will decide whether you should use Sporanox capsule, injection or Sporanox oral solution. Sporanox capsule, oral solution, and injection are not interchangeable, so only take the form prescribed to you. Always follow the prescribed dosage and instructions.
The length of treatment with Sporanox depends on the type of infection or disease, your condition and response to the drug. Depending on the diagnosis, Sporanox is taken for two weeks to 6 months.
Follow doctor’s prescription in taking Sporanox capsules. Swallow them whole without breaking, crushing r chewing on the capsule. Take Sporanox capsule with a full glass of water. Take them after a full meal.
For Sporanox oral solution, you must swish it vigorously in the mouth and then swallowed. Use the measuring cup, spoon or dosing syringe that comes with the packaging, and you must follow the amount prescribed by the doctor.
For Sporanox injections, you can only take them in the hospital or doctor’s clinic. Sporanox injections are given by infusing it into your vein (intravenous route). Health professionals will prepare and give you Sporanox injections.
If you are taking stomach acid reducers like Tagamet, Pepcid, Axid, or Zantac, take Sporanox capsules or oral solutions with an acidic drink like regular soda.
It is important to take Sporanox regularly to completely treat fungal infection. Make sure to finish the prescribed treatment course.
You must regularly be seen by the doctor when taking Sporanox.
If you miss a dose of Sporanox, take them as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the original dosing schedule. Do not take more Sporanox to make up for the missed dose.
Taking too much Sporanox can result in an overdose. If this happens, call emergency medical services right away.
Keep Sporanox at room temperature away from moisture and light.
Make sure to finish the prescribed treatment with Sporanox. Continue taking Sporanox as prescribed even if you are feeling better. Do not stop or discontinue treatment without doctor’s advice. Interrupting or stopping the use of Sporanox allows the fungi to become resistant to the drug that makes it harder to treat.
The acidity of the stomach help improves absorption of Sporanox. Avoid taking antacids within an hour before or two hours after taking Sporanox.
Note that Sporanox may reduce your reaction times. Do not drive or perform dangerous tasks right after taking Sporanox.
Make sure you are frequently seen by the doctor when taking Sporanox. The doctor needs to know if Sporanox is working to treat the infection and determine early signs of side effects. Keep up with doctor’s visits and lab tests.
