Uses

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.

How to use itraconazole oral

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.

Side Effects

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.

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.

Warnings

Itraconazole may rarely cause or worsen heart failure. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, or unusual/sudden weight gain. Consult your doctor for more details.

This medication can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which may cause very serious (possibly fatal) side effects to occur. Examples of affected drugs include certain "blood thinners" (such as ticagrelor), colchicine, certain drugs to treat irregular heartbeat (such disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, quinidine), eplerenone, ergot alkaloids (such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine), felodipine, fesoterodine, irinotecan, ivabradine, lurasidone, methadone, midazolam, nisoldipine, pimozide, ranolazine, certain "statin" cholesterol drugs (such as lovastatin, simvastatin), solifenacin, telithromycin, triazolam, among others. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Precautions

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 breast-feeding.

Interactions

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.

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Overdose

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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes Notes

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) 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.

Missed Dose Missed Dose

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.

Storage Storage

Store at room temperature away from light. Do not freeze. 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.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.