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| Pronunciation |
|
 (i
tra KOE na
zole) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Sporanox® |
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| Foreign Brand
Names |
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| Isox (Mexico); Itranax®
(Mexico) |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Antifungal Agent, Oral |
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| What key warnings should I know
about before taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- This medicine does not mix well with many medications. It should
not be taken if you are also taking terfenadine, astemizole, and cisapride.
Life-threatening reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to another azole fungus medicine, itraconazole,
or any other part of the medicine.
- If you are taking any of these medicines: Astemizole, cisapride,
lovastatin, midazolam, simvastatin, or
triazolam.
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|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used for the treatment of certain types of fungus
(yeast) infections. It can treat oral, esophageal (swallowing tube) infections
and fingernail infections too.
- Sometimes it is used to prevent fungus (yeast)
infections.
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|
|
| How does it work? |
|
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- Itraconazole causes a leakiness in the fungus (yeast) cell that causes
its death.
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| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
- Take capsule with a full meal.
- Do not take antacids or sucralfate within 2 hours of this medicine.
- A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those
who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before
and after medicine is given.
- Take liquid (solution) on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2
hours after meals.
- Use entire prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit
juice.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
- Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can make infection
more difficult to treat.
- Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake.
Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, rapid heartbeats, and
anxiety.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Belly pain and cramps.
- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking
hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
- Diarrhea. Call healthcare provider if severe or prolonged.
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
- Rash. Talk with healthcare provider if one
develops.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Watch for change in temperature or worsening of
infection.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Fever and/or chills, nausea, vomiting, belly pain, feeling tired, dark
urine, yellow eyes/skin, no appetite.
- No improvement in condition or feeling
worse.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
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- Store in a tight light-resistant container at room temperature.
Protect capsules from moisture.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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