Sporanox

Generic Name: itraconazole (IT ra KON a zole)
Brand Names: Sporanox, Sporanox PulsePak

What is Sporanox?

Sporanox (itraconazole) is an azole antifungal medicine. It kills sensitive fungi by interfering with the formation of the fungal cell membrane.

Sporanox is used to treat infections caused by fungus, which can invade any part of the body including the lungs, mouth or throat, toenails, or fingernails.

Sporanox may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Sporanox

Do not take Sporanox if you are allergic to itraconazole or similar medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan) or ketoconazole (Extina, Ketozole, Nizoral, Xolegal), if you have ever had congestive heart failure, or if you are pregnant or may become pregnant during treatment. There are many other drugs that can cause serious or life threatening medical problems if you take them together with Sporanox. This includes cisapride (Propulsid), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), dofetilide (Tikosyn), ergonovine (Ergotrate), ergotamine (Ergomar), lovastatin (Advicor, Altocor, Altoprev, Mevacor), methylergonovine (Methergine), midazolam (Versed), nisoldipine (Sular), pimozide (Orap), quinidine (Quin-G), simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin), and triazolam (Halcion).

Before taking Sporanox, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, a history of stroke, a heart rhythm disorder, kidney or liver disease, a breathing disorder, cystic fibrosis, or a history of "Long QT syndrome."

Take Sporanox for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Sporanox will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Before taking Sporanox

Do not take Sporanox if you are allergic to itraconazole or similar medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan) or ketoconazole (Extina, Ketozole, Nizoral, Xolegal), if you have ever had congestive heart failure, or if you are pregnant or may become pregnant during treatment. There are many other drugs that can cause serious or life threatening medical problems if you take them together with Sporanox. The following drugs should not be used while you are taking Sporanox:

• cisapride (Propulsid);

• dofetilide (Tikosyn);

• lovastatin (Advicor, Altocor, Altoprev, Mevacor) or simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin);

• midazolam (Versed) or triazolam (Halcion);

• nisoldipine (Sular);

• pimozide (Orap);

• quinidine (Quin-G); and

• ergot medicines such as dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), ergonovine (Ergotrate), ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot, Ercaf, Migergot), or methylergonovine (Methergine).

To make sure you can safely take Sporanox, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, circulation problems, or a history of stroke;

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other breathing disorder;

• kidney disease;

• liver disease;

• cystic fibrosis; or

• a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Sporanox will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Itraconazole passes into breast milk and can harm a nursing baby. Do not use Sporanox without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

See also: Sporanox pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How should I take Sporanox?

Take Sporanox exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

The Sporanox tablet should be taken after a full meal. Take Sporanox oral solution (liquid) on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Swish the liquid in your mouth for several seconds before swallowing it.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Sporanox capsules should not be used in place of Sporanox oral solution (liquid) if that is what your doctor has prescribed. Make sure you have received the correct type of this medication at the pharmacy and ask the pharmacist if you have any questions.

Take Sporanox for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Sporanox will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your liver function will need to be checked with frequent blood tests. Visit your doctor regularly.

Store Sporanox at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Sporanox?

Avoid taking antacids or stomach acid reducers (Tagamet, Pepcid, Axid, Zantac, and others) within 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take Sporanox. These medications can make it harder for your body to absorb Sporanox.

Sporanox side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Sporanox: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• fever;

• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;

• swelling, rapid weight gain;

• problems with hearing;

• numbness or tingly feeling;

• pain or burning when you urinate;

• nausea, pain in your upper stomach, itching, loss of appetite, weakness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate.

Less serious Sporanox side effects may include:

• diarrhea, constipation, mild stomach pain;

• mild itching or skin rash;

• headache, dizziness; or

• runny nose or other cold symptoms.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Sporanox side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Sporanox?

Many drugs can interact with Sporanox. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);

• cancer medications;

• cholesterol medications such as atorvastatin (Lipitor);

• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Sandimmune, Neoral);

• diabetes medication you take by mouth;

• digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin);

• disopyramide (Norpace);

• fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic);

• isoniazid (for treating tuberculosis);

• rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater, Rifamate), or rifapentine (Priftin);

• sirolimus (Rapamune) or tacrolimus (Prograf);

• an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), or telithromycin (Ketek);

• an antifungal medication such as clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or voriconazole (Vfend);

• an antidepressant such as nefazodone, paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft);

• a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Solfoton);

• heart or blood pressure medications such as amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia), verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan), and others;

• HIV/AIDS medicine such as atazanavir (Reyataz), delavirdine (Rescriptor), efavirenz (Sustiva), etravirine (Intelence), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), nevirapine (Viramune), saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase), or ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra);

• a sedative such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium); or

• seizure medication such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), felbamate (Felbatol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), or phenytoin (Dilantin), or primidone (Mysoline).

This list is not complete and there are many other drugs that can interact with Sporanox. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Sporanox.