ItraconazoleITRACONAZOLE - ORAL (eye-truh-CON-uh-zole) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sporanox WARNING: Itraconazole must not be used with certain medications (e.g., astemizole, cisapride, terfenadine, quinidine) that are broken down by a special liver enzyme system (cytochrome P450 3A4). Medications using this system may not be broken down enough causing serious, even fatal, heart problems such as irregular heartbeats (e.g., torsades de pointes), or increased side effects. Notify your doctor immediately if you are using any of the above medications or medications similar to these. USES: This medication is used to treat certain fungal infections. HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: Take this medication by mouth with food exactly as directed on your prescription label. The capsule and liquid forms of this drug are not interchangeable. Consult your pharmacist. This medication is usually taken once or twice a day. For best results, take each dose at evenly spaced intervals around the clock. This will ensure a constant level of medication in your blood. Another dosing method involves taking this medication for one week each month until therapy is completed. Take this medication for the full time prescribed. Stopping therapy too soon may result in reinfection. SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, diarrhea, headache, or dizziness may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects reported include ringing in the ears, fever, sexual dysfunction, depression, drowsiness, trouble sleeping. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: nausea, vomiting, jaundice, unusual weakness, dark urine, pale stools. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication tell your doctor your medical history especially: liver disease, heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), any drug allergies. Use caution engaging activities requiring alertness if this medication makes you dizzy or drowsy. This drug should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Itraconazole is excreted into breast milk. The manufacturer does not recommended breast-feeding while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medication you may use especially: cyclosporine, digoxin; "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin); oral diabetic drugs, ulcer drugs, isoniazid, phenytoin; rifamycins (e.g., rifampin); terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride; certain cholesterol-lowering drugs (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors such as lovastatin); nifedipine, pimozide, quinidine, vincristine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. NOTES: In serious situations, therapy with this medication may be continued for at least 3 months to ensure the infection is gone. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver function) may be performed to monitor your progress. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.
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