Itraconazole solution is used to treat fungal infections
in the mouth and throat. It belongs to a class of drugs known as azole
antifungals. It works by stopping the growth of fungi.
This section contains uses of this drug that are not
listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be
prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition
that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your
health care professional.
This drug may also be used for other fungal
infections.
Take this medication by mouth without food as directed
by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. Swish the solution in your
mouth for several seconds, and then swallow.
The dosage and length of treatment are based on your
medical condition and response to treatment.
For the best effect, take this antifungal at evenly
spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same
time(s) every day.
Continue to take this medication until the full
prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days.
Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the
infection.
The capsule, tablet, and solution forms of this
medication deliver different amounts of medication and may be used for
different purposes. Do not switch between the different forms or brands of
this drug without your doctor's direction.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
See also Warning section.
Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stomach upset, or
dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check
your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are
high.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- numbness/tingling of arms/legs
- hearing loss
- mental/mood changes (such as depression)
Itraconazole has rarely caused very serious (possibly
fatal) liver disease. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms
of liver disease, such as:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- loss of appetite
- stomach/abdominal pain
- yellowing eyes/skin
- dark urine
Itraconazole can commonly cause a mild rash that is
usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a
rare rash that could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Get medical
help right away if you develop any rash.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking itraconazole, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other azole antifungals (such
as ketoconazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may
contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other
problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- heart disease (such as heart failure, coronary artery
disease, heart valve disease)
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease-COPD)
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Alcohol may also increase the risk of serious liver
problems.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be at greater risk for hearing loss
while using this drug.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and
benefits with your doctor. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while
taking this medication and for 2 months after stopping
treatment.
Itraconazole passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Itraconazole interacts with many medications. See also
Warning section.
Other medications can affect the removal of itraconazole
from your body, which may affect how itraconazole works. Examples include
efavirenz, isoniazid, nevirapine, rifamycins (such as rifabutin), certain
drugs used to treat seizures (such as phenytoin), among
others.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later to treat or prevent another infection
unless your doctor tells you to.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver function,
potassium level, blood pressure) should be done before you start taking
this medication and while you are taking it. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Different brands of this medication have different
storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store
your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children
and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.