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Can you take Albendazole with Sporanox?

1 drug interaction and 20 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

itraconazole albendazole

Applies to: Sporanox (itraconazole) and albendazole

Itraconazole may increase the blood levels and effects of albendazole. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

itraconazole Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: Sporanox (itraconazole)

Food increases the absorption of itraconazole capsules but decreases the absorption of itraconazole oral solution. Capsules should be taken immediately after a full meal and the solution be taken on an empty stomach to ensure best results.

Moderate:

albendazole Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: albendazole

Food significantly increases the absorption of albendazole. You should take each dose of albendazole with a meal. Taking it on an empty stomach may lead to inadequate blood levels and reduced effectiveness of the medication. Grapefruit juice can also increase the absorption of albendazole.

Disease interactions

18 potential interactions Applies to: 15 conditions, including COPD, Seizures, Arrhythmia, Pseudotumor Cerebri, and Heart Disease.

Achlorhydria

Moderate:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a moderate potential interaction with Achlorhydria.

Itraconazole 100-mg capsules should be administered after a full meal. Under fasted conditions, absorption of itraconazole from the 100-mg capsule formulation was diminished with decreased gastric acidity. Studies conducted under fasted conditions showed that taking the 100-mg capsule formulation with 8 ounces of a non-diet cola beverage enhanced absorption of itraconazole in AIDS patients with relative or absolute achlorhydria; this increase relative to the effects of a full meal is unknown.

Arrhythmia

Moderate:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Some azole antifungals have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval on the ECG. Rare cases of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes have been reported during postmarketing experience; such reports usually involved seriously ill patients with multiple confounding risk factors, such as structural heart disease, electrolyte abnormalities, and concomitant medications. These drugs should be administered with caution to patients with potentially proarrhythmic conditions, such as congenital/acquired QT prolongation, cardiomyopathy (especially when heart failure is present), sinus bradycardia, and existing symptomatic arrhythmias. Concomitant use with other medications that have potential to increase the risk of cardiotoxicity should be avoided.

Biliary Obstruction

Moderate:

albendazole

Albendazole has a moderate potential interaction with Biliary Obstruction.

Albendazole is converted to its biologically active metabolite and further metabolized to an inactive form by the liver. Biliary excretion of albendazole is the primary route of elimination and biliary obstruction results in increased albendazole serum concentration and AUC. Metabolism and therapeutic activity may be altered in patients with hepatic impairment. Elevated liver transaminase levels have been reported in 16% of patients receiving albendazole. Therapy with albendazole should be administered cautiously in patients with compromised hepatic function. Clinical monitoring of hepatic function is recommended prior to initiation of each cycle of albendazole and at least every two weeks during therapy. Patients with elevated liver enzyme test results are at increased risk for hepatotoxicity and bone marrow suppression. Discontinue therapy if liver enzymes are significantly increased or if a clinically significant decrease in blood cell counts occur.

Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts

Major:

albendazole

Albendazole has a major potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.

Reversible leukopenia has been reported during albendazole therapy. Rarely, granulocytopenia or pancytopenia have resulted in death. Therapy with albendazole should be administered cautiously in patients with predisposition to myelosuppression. Clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function prior to each cycle of albendazole and every two weeks during therapy is recommended. Albendazole can be continued with a modest, non- progressive decrease in leukocyte count and absolute neutrophil count.

COPD

Major:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a major potential interaction with COPD.

Itraconazole may possess a dose-related negative inotropic effect. Transient, asymptomatic decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction were observed with IV administration in healthy volunteers; these resolved before the next infusion. Additionally, cases of congestive heart failure (CHF), peripheral edema, and pulmonary edema have been reported during postmarketing experience in patients treated for onychomycosis and/or systemic fungal infections. Itraconazole should not be used to treat onychomycosis in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction such as CHF or history of CHF; itraconazole should not be used for other indications in such patients unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. The risks and benefits of itraconazole therapy should be reviewed carefully in patients with risk factors for CHF (including cardiac disease [e.g., ischemic and valvular disease], significant pulmonary disease [e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease], renal failure and other edematous disorders). Patients with risk factors for CHF should be advised of the signs/symptoms of CHF, treated with caution, and monitored for signs/symptoms of CHF during therapy.

Cystic Fibrosis

Moderate:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a moderate potential interaction with Cystic Fibrosis.

In a study using itraconazole oral solution in cystic fibrosis patients, therapeutic drug levels varied and were not reached in some patients. Alternative therapy should be considered for patients who do not respond to itraconazole oral solution or itraconazole 100-mg capsules.

Fluid Retention

Major:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a major potential interaction with Fluid Retention.

Itraconazole may possess a dose-related negative inotropic effect. Transient, asymptomatic decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction were observed with IV administration in healthy volunteers; these resolved before the next infusion. Additionally, cases of congestive heart failure (CHF), peripheral edema, and pulmonary edema have been reported during postmarketing experience in patients treated for onychomycosis and/or systemic fungal infections. Itraconazole should not be used to treat onychomycosis in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction such as CHF or history of CHF; itraconazole should not be used for other indications in such patients unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. The risks and benefits of itraconazole therapy should be reviewed carefully in patients with risk factors for CHF (including cardiac disease [e.g., ischemic and valvular disease], significant pulmonary disease [e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease], renal failure and other edematous disorders). Patients with risk factors for CHF should be advised of the signs/symptoms of CHF, treated with caution, and monitored for signs/symptoms of CHF during therapy.

Heart Disease

Major:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a major potential interaction with Heart Disease.

Itraconazole may possess a dose-related negative inotropic effect. Transient, asymptomatic decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction were observed with IV administration in healthy volunteers; these resolved before the next infusion. Additionally, cases of congestive heart failure (CHF), peripheral edema, and pulmonary edema have been reported during postmarketing experience in patients treated for onychomycosis and/or systemic fungal infections. Itraconazole should not be used to treat onychomycosis in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction such as CHF or history of CHF; itraconazole should not be used for other indications in such patients unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. The risks and benefits of itraconazole therapy should be reviewed carefully in patients with risk factors for CHF (including cardiac disease [e.g., ischemic and valvular disease], significant pulmonary disease [e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease], renal failure and other edematous disorders). Patients with risk factors for CHF should be advised of the signs/symptoms of CHF, treated with caution, and monitored for signs/symptoms of CHF during therapy.

Immunodeficiency

Moderate:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a moderate potential interaction with Immunodeficiency.

The oral bioavailability of itraconazole 100-mg capsules may be decreased in some immunocompromised patients (e.g., neutropenic patients, AIDS patients, organ transplant recipients); in addition, since hypochlorhydria has been reported in HIV-infected patients, the absorption of itraconazole may be reduced in these patients. The dose of itraconazole 100-mg capsules should be adjusted based on the clinical response of such patients.

Itraconazole oral solution is not recommended for initial treatment in severely neutropenic patients at immediate risk of systemic candidiasis.

Liver Disease

Major:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Limited data are available on the use of oral itraconazole in patients with liver dysfunction. Itraconazole has been associated with rare cases of serious hepatotoxicity (including liver failure and death). Caution is recommended when this drug is used in patients with liver dysfunction; such patients should be carefully monitored during therapy. Treatment with itraconazole is strongly discouraged in patients with elevated or abnormal liver enzymes, with active liver disease, or who had liver toxicity with other drugs unless the situation is serious or life-threatening and the expected benefit exceeds the risk. Liver function monitoring is recommended for patients with preexisting hepatic function abnormalities or those who had liver toxicity with other drugs.

Moderate:

albendazole

Albendazole has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Albendazole is converted to its biologically active metabolite and further metabolized to an inactive form by the liver. Biliary excretion of albendazole is the primary route of elimination and biliary obstruction results in increased albendazole serum concentration and AUC. Metabolism and therapeutic activity may be altered in patients with hepatic impairment. Elevated liver transaminase levels have been reported in 16% of patients receiving albendazole. Therapy with albendazole should be administered cautiously in patients with compromised hepatic function. Clinical monitoring of hepatic function is recommended prior to initiation of each cycle of albendazole and at least every two weeks during therapy. Patients with elevated liver enzyme test results are at increased risk for hepatotoxicity and bone marrow suppression. Discontinue therapy if liver enzymes are significantly increased or if a clinically significant decrease in blood cell counts occur.

Neutropenia

Moderate:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a moderate potential interaction with Neutropenia.

The oral bioavailability of itraconazole 100-mg capsules may be decreased in some immunocompromised patients (e.g., neutropenic patients, AIDS patients, organ transplant recipients); in addition, since hypochlorhydria has been reported in HIV-infected patients, the absorption of itraconazole may be reduced in these patients. The dose of itraconazole 100-mg capsules should be adjusted based on the clinical response of such patients.

Itraconazole oral solution is not recommended for initial treatment in severely neutropenic patients at immediate risk of systemic candidiasis.

Organ Transplant

Moderate:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a moderate potential interaction with Organ Transplant.

The oral bioavailability of itraconazole 100-mg capsules may be decreased in some immunocompromised patients (e.g., neutropenic patients, AIDS patients, organ transplant recipients); in addition, since hypochlorhydria has been reported in HIV-infected patients, the absorption of itraconazole may be reduced in these patients. The dose of itraconazole 100-mg capsules should be adjusted based on the clinical response of such patients.

Itraconazole oral solution is not recommended for initial treatment in severely neutropenic patients at immediate risk of systemic candidiasis.

Pseudotumor Cerebri

Moderate:

albendazole

Albendazole has a moderate potential interaction with Pseudotumor Cerebri.

Albendazole therapy of neurocysticercosis can induce an inflammatory response within the CNS that precipitates seizures and cerebral hypertension. Therapy with albendazole for neurocysticercosis should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposition to seizures. The use of corticosteroids during the first week of therapy to prevent cerebral hypertension and anticonvulsant therapy as required is recommended.

Renal Dysfunction

Major:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Itraconazole may possess a dose-related negative inotropic effect. Transient, asymptomatic decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction were observed with IV administration in healthy volunteers; these resolved before the next infusion. Additionally, cases of congestive heart failure (CHF), peripheral edema, and pulmonary edema have been reported during postmarketing experience in patients treated for onychomycosis and/or systemic fungal infections. Itraconazole should not be used to treat onychomycosis in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction such as CHF or history of CHF; itraconazole should not be used for other indications in such patients unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. The risks and benefits of itraconazole therapy should be reviewed carefully in patients with risk factors for CHF (including cardiac disease [e.g., ischemic and valvular disease], significant pulmonary disease [e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease], renal failure and other edematous disorders). Patients with risk factors for CHF should be advised of the signs/symptoms of CHF, treated with caution, and monitored for signs/symptoms of CHF during therapy.

Moderate:

albendazole

Albendazole has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

The pharmacokinetics of albendazole in patients with impaired renal function have not been studied. Caution is advised if used in these patients.

Moderate:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Limited data are available on the use of oral itraconazole in patients with renal dysfunction; itraconazole exposure may be lower in some of these patients. Caution is advised when using itraconazole in patients with renal dysfunction and dose adjustment may be needed. Patients with renal dysfunction should be carefully monitored when using the 65-mg capsule formulation.

Seizures

Moderate:

albendazole

Albendazole has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Albendazole therapy of neurocysticercosis can induce an inflammatory response within the CNS that precipitates seizures and cerebral hypertension. Therapy with albendazole for neurocysticercosis should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposition to seizures. The use of corticosteroids during the first week of therapy to prevent cerebral hypertension and anticonvulsant therapy as required is recommended.

More resources

albendazole

A total of 166 drugs are known to interact with albendazole.

Sporanox

A total of 597 drugs are known to interact with Sporanox.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.