Itraconazole Usage

Itraconazole is used in the treatment of fungal infections
It is used to treat fungal infections of the mouth or vagina (thrush), skin and other parts of the body such as finger and toenails.

How Itraconazole works

Itraconazole is an antifungal medication. It stops the growth of fungus by preventing them from forming their own protective covering which is required for their survival in the human.

Common side effects of Itraconazole

Nausea, Abdominal pain, Skin rash, Increased liver enzymes

Expert advice for Itraconazole

• Your doctor has prescribed Itraconazole to cure your infection and improve symptoms.
• Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
• Do not take it with any heartburn medications - especially proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers.
• Requires an acidic pH for absorption. Hence, take it with a full meal for best results.
• Notify your doctor if you have taken steroids recently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. Q. What is Itraconazole used for?
Itraconazole is an antifungal medicine used to treat fungal infections of skin, mouth, eyes, nails, vagina and other internal organs.

Ques. Q. Is Itraconazole an antibiotic?
Itraconazole is an anti-fungal antibiotic. It is useful in treating infections caused by fungi, but not by bacteria, viruses or parasites.

Ques. Q. Is Itraconazole safe?
Yes, Itraconazole is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.

Ques. Q. Is Itraconazole a steroid?
No, Itraconazole is not a steroid. It is an antifungal medicine which belongs to the class of triazoles.

Ques. Q. Is Itraconazole stronger than fluconazole?
Itraconazole is effective against a much wider range of fungal infections as compared to fluconazole. However, both drugs are equally effective and safe if used for same infections.

Ques. Q. Can I take Itraconazole with paracetamol?
There are no known drug interactions between Itraconazole and paracetamol if taken together. However, interaction can occur. Consult your doctor about all medications that you are currently taking before starting Itraconazole.

Ques. Q. Can I take Itraconazole with amoxicillin or penicillin?
There are no clinically observed drug interactions between Itraconazole when taken with amoxicillin or penicillin. Please talk to your doctor in case you are taking the two medicines together.

Ques. Q. Does Itraconazole affect the action of oral contraceptives (birth control pills)?
There are no known interactions of Itraconazole with oral contraceptives (birth control pills). However, interactions can occur. Please consult your doctor if you are asked to take Itraconazole and you are already taking oral contraceptives.

Ques. Q. Does Itraconazole treat ringworm (dermatophytoses)?
Yes, Itraconazole is used to treat ringworm (known as dermatophytoses e.g. tinea pedis, tinea cruris, tinea corporis, tinea manuum).

Ques. Q. Does Itraconazole cause an increase in blood pressure?
An increase in blood pressure has been seen with Itraconazole in some studies. However, this is not a very common side effect. Please consult your doctor in case you have a history of high blood pressure or you are experiencing high blood pressure after taking Itraconazole.

Ques. Q. Does Itraconazole cause erectile dysfunction?
Yes, Itraconazole can rarely cause erectile dysfunction (erection problems). Please consult your doctor if you experience this problem.

Ques. Q. Does Itraconazole cause weight gain?
Weight gain has not been reported as an adverse effect with Itraconazole. However, if you experience unexpected weight gain with Itraconazole, this could be an indication of an underlying heart problem. Consult your doctor immediately as Itraconazole can make your heart problem worse.

Ques. Q. Is Itraconazole a sulfa drug?
No, Itraconazole is not a sulfa drug. It is an azole derivative antifungal medicine.

Ques. Q. Does Itraconazole cause drowsiness (feeling sleepy)?
Drowsiness (feeling sleepy) has not been reported as a side effect of Itraconazole. However, in case you feel very sleepy while taking Itraconazole, you must consult your doctor. Dizziness (feeling of fainting) has been reported as a side effect with Itraconazole

Ques. Q. Does Itraconazole cause hair loss?
Hair loss (alopecia) is reported as a side effect of Itraconazole in the postmarketing studies. Please consult your doctor in case you experience hair loss while taking Itraconazole.

Ques. Q. Does Itraconazole kill candida?
Yes, Itraconazole has been shown to be active against candida and is indicated for the treatment of the infections caused by candida. It is indicated for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidasis.

Ques. Q. Does Itraconazole work for nail fungus (dermatophytoses)?
Yes, Itraconazole does work for the nail fungus known as dermatophytoses (tinea unguium). Consult your doctor before starting Itraconazole for any infection and you must take the medicine for as long as it is prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop the medicine until told by your doctor.

Ques. Q. Does Itraconazole have penicillin in it?
No, Itraconazole does not have penicillin in it.

Ques. Q. Does Itraconazole make you tired?
Itraconazole does not make you tired. In case you feel very tired while taking Itraconazole, please talk to your doctor immediately as it may be due to an underlying liver problem or a heart condition with fluids in your lungs.

Ques. Q. Can I take Itraconazole with aspirin?
There are no clinically observed drug interactions between Itraconazole when taken with aspirin. Please talk to your doctor in case you are taking the two medicines together.