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IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

ITRACONAZOLE - ORAL

(eye-truh-CON-uh-zole)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sporanox

WARNING: Itraconazole must not be used with cisapride, quinidine, pimozide, dofetilide, or levacetylmethadol because very serious (possibly fatal) heart rhythm problems may occur. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting itraconazole.

This drug should not be used to treat fungal nail infections if you have a certain heart disease (ventricular dysfunction such as current or history of congestive heart failure-CHF). Itraconazole may infrequently cause or worsen congestive heart failure. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of congestive heart failure, such as swelling of the ankles/feet, sudden unexplained weight gain, trouble breathing, or extreme tiredness. Consult your doctor for more details.

USES: Itraconazole is an azole antifungal medication used to treat a variety of fungal infections.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used to prevent certain fungal infections in patients with HIV.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking itraconazole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with a full meal, usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Some conditions may require you to take this medication for 1 week each month until therapy is completed.

This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. If you are taking this medication on a schedule other than every day (e.g., 1 week every month), it may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.

You may need to take this medication for several months to treat the infection. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Take itraconazole 2 hours before or 1 hour after antacids. Antacids may decrease the absorption of this medication. Also, take this medication with a cola drink if you have decreased or no stomach acid (e.g., achlorhydria) or if you take drugs that decrease stomach acid (e.g., H2 blockers such as ranitidine, proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

The capsule and solution forms of this medication deliver different amounts of medication and may be used for different purposes. Do not switch between the capsule and solution forms without your doctor's permission and directions.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.