Drug Name

Sporanox (Itraconazole)

 Drug Uses

Sporanox is an antifungal medication. It is like an antibiotic but is used to treat fungal infections. Sporanox is used to treat fungal infections in the lungs, in the central nervous system, in other parts of the body, as well as serious fungal infections of the skin and nails. The Sporanox oral solution is used to treat yeast infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus. Sporanox may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Take Sporanox exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each capsule with a full glass of water. Take Sporanox capsules after a full meal to increase absorption in your stomach. To treat yeast infections of the mouth, throat, or esophagus, the oral solution should be swished vigorously in the mouth for several seconds, then swallowed. Take the oral solution without food if possible. Sporanox capsules and oral solution are different preparations and cannot be used interchangeably. Take all of the Sporanox that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Sporanox. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor. Store Sporanox at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 Drug Class and Mechanism

Sporanox is an azole antifungal antibiotic. It kills sensitive fungi by interfering with the formation of the fungal cell membrane.

Sporanox is used to treat three types of serious fungal infections (blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and aspergillosi) which can invade any part of the body including the lungs, mouth or throat, toenails, or fingernails.

Sporanox may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Store Sporanox at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

 Warnings/Precautions

Do not take Sporanox if you are taking astemizole (Hismanal), cisapride (Propulsid), pimozide (Orap), triazolam (Halcion), midazolam (Versed), lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), or quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinora, Quinidex, Quinaglute, Quin-Release, Quin-G). Combined with these drugs, Sporanox could cause serious, even fatal, problems. In rare cases, Sporanox has caused severe liver damage, sometimes resulting in death. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, or clay colored stools. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage. In rare cases, Sporanox has been associated with the onset of congestive heart failure (CHF). Do not take Sporanox without first talking to your doctor if you have CHF or a history of CHF; other heart or heart valve disease; a lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; or significant swelling or water retention (edema). Contact your doctor if you develop symptoms that may indicate CHF including shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling during treatment with Sporanox. Take all of the Sporanox that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.

 Possible Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fever
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion
• swelling, rapid weight gain
• problems with hearing
• numbness or tingly feeling
• pain or burning when you urinate
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, weakness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Less serious side effects may include:

• diarrhea, constipation, mild stomach pain
• mild itching or skin rash
• headache, dizziness
• runny nose or other cold symptoms

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

 More Information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.