Drug Title

Sporanox (Itraconazole)

Common use

Sporanox is an azole antifungal medicine which used used to treat three types of serious fungal infection: blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and aspergillosis. Sporanox works by killing sensitive fungi by interfering with the formation of the fungal cell membrane. This medication is also prescribed for onychomycosis, which infects the toenails and fingernails.

Dosage and direction

Take it orally with or without food/milk. For the best result take it at the same time each day. Dosage of Sporanox is various from type of infection:

1. Treatment of Blastomycosis and Histoplasmosis:

The recommended dose for adults is 200 mg once daily. Do not use more than 400 mg daily.

For children - use it just after doctor's permission and dose has to be prescribed after consulting with your doctor.

2. Treatment of Aspergillosis:

The recommended dose for adults is of 200 to 400 mg.

For children - use it just after doctor's permission and dose has to be prescribed after consulting with your doctor.

3. Treatment in Life-Threatening Situations:

The recommended dose for adults is 200 mg three times daily (600 mg/day) be given for the first 3 days of treatment. Length of treatment should be more than three months and until clinical parameters and laboratory tests indicate that the active fungal infection has subsided.

For children - use it just after doctor's permission and dose has to be prescribed after consulting with your doctor.

4. Treatment of Onychomycosis (toenails with or without fingernail involvement):

The recommended dose fr adults is 200 mg once daily for 12 consecutive weeks.

For children - use it just after doctor's permission and dose has to be prescribed after consulting with your doctor.

5. Treatment of Onychomycosis (Fingernails only):

The recommended dose for adults is 2 treatment pulses, each consisting of 200 mg for 1 week.

For children - use it just after doctor's permission and dose has to be prescribed after consulting with your doctor.

Note: this instruction presented here just for review. It's very necessary to consult with your doctor before using. It help you to get best results.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If this occurred while taking your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

Overdose

Symptoms of Sporanox overdose are not known well, so if you experience any unusual symptom call your doctor immediately.

STORAGE

Keep out of reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away unused medicine after the expiration date.

Precautions

Sporanox can have a negative effect on the heart. It should not be used for fungal nail infections if your medical history include cardiac problems such as congestive heart failure. Before taking Sporanox, tell your doctor if your medical history include: a heart rhythm disorder, kidney or liver disease, a breathing disorder, cystic fibrosis, or a history of "Long QT syndrome".

Do not take antacids within 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking Sporanox. Sporanox should not be used during pregnancy, becoming pregnant or lactating without doctor's advice. Do not use it before breast-feeding without doctor's permission.

Contraindications

Sporano is not allowed to people who are hypersensitive to itraconazole or similar medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan) or ketoconazole (Nizoral), if you have ever had congestive heart failure.

SIDE EFFECTS

Side effects that you should tell your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• coughing up phlegm
• dark urine
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• flu-like symptoms
• light-colored stools
• Loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• pain, tingling, numbness in hands or feet
• redness, blistering, peeling or weakening of the skin, including the oral cavity
• abdominal pain
• sudden weight gain
• swelling in the legs, ankles or feet
• unusual weakness or tiredness
• yellowing of eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor if they are frequent):

• diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• stomach upset or bloating

This list does not describe all possible side effects.