Itraconazole is an antifungal medication. It is used to treat fungal infections in the mouth (like thrush), the esophagus, the
genital tract (like a yeast infection) and other areas. It may also be used to prevent cryptococcal meningitis from recurring.
HOW should this drug be taken ?
The amount of drug to take depends on what is being treated. Your dosage is __________ a day.
Take this medication with food to maximize its absorption from the stomach. If you are taking anti-ulcer medications
such as cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, nizatidine, or omeprazole, take itraconazole with a cola or seltzer drink. If you
are taking medications that contain antacids, including the antiretroviral drug didanosine (ddI), allow two hours between itraconazole and these medications.
Continue to take itraconazole as prescribed even if you start to feel better. It takes a long time for fungal infections to
clear up and they come back if you stop treatment prematurely. What should you do if you FORGET a dose ?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double your dose.
What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug cause? What should you do about them.
Generally, itrazonazole is well tolerated by most people.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness commonly occur and should go away as your body adjusts to the drug. If they become bothersome, call the clinic.
Itraconazole may cause increases in various tests measuring liver function. These changes serve as a signal to watch for
liver damage. If you experience unusual fatigue, yellowing of eyes and skin, dark urine, or pale stool, call the clinic.
Itraconazole may cause the potassium in your body to drop. This may cause unusual tiredness or weakness in limbs. If
you experience these symptoms, call the clinic. Other adverse effects include fever, skin rash or itching. Call the clinic if these occur.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM.
What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug?
Tell your physician or pharmacist what prescription or nonprescription medications you are currently taking. As well,
before beginning any new prescription or nonprescription medications, discuss them with your physician or pharmacist.
Itraconazole can interact with astemizole (Hismanal), terfenadine (Seldane), and cisapride (Prepulsid), and can have
serious adverse effects on the heart. If you are also taking didanosine, or drugs that affect stomach acid, take them two hours apart from itraconazole.
Itraconazole should not be taken during pregnancy. Use effective contraception through itraconazole therapy and two months following discontinuation.
How should this medication be STORED ?
Itraconazole should be stored in a cool dry place well out of the reach of children. Heat and moisture may cause the medicine to break down. Store away from direct heat and light.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR PHARMACIST, NURSE, OR PHYSICIAN.
PLEASE WRITE DOWN YOUR QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS TO ENSURE THEY ARE ADDRESSED.
A pharmacist at ___________________ is available to answer questions
The telephone number is ___________. Please ask for ____________________
