Itraconazole is used to treat infections caused by fungi .
What is Itraconazole?
Itraconazole works by killing fungi sensitive to its action, hindering the creation of their cell membrane.
How is Itraconazole taken?
Itraconazole is often administered by the doctor through an injection , but it can also be taken orally in the form of capsules, tablets or solutions. It is important not to switch from one type of intake to another without talking to your doctor first.
The drug is most effective if it is taken at the same time every day .
Side effects on the use of Itraconazole
In rare cases, Itraconazole has been associated with severe liver damage. In addition, the drug may decrease heart function : it is important to contact a doctor if symptoms of a liver problem or heart failure such as dark urine , pale stools, swollen or touch-sensitive abdomen, yellowish skin discolouration, swelling of the skin are present. hands, ankles, feet or abdomen, shortness of breath, fast or irregular heart beat, severe or persistent nausea and confusion.
Other possible side effects of itraconazole include:
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- gas
- headache
- nausea
- a runny nose
- stomach discomfort
- He retched
It is also good to contact the doctor immediately in case of:
- rash
- urticaria
- itch
- breathing difficulties
- feeling of tightness in the chest
- swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- chest pain
- cough with white or pink phlegm
- problems in the sexual sphere
- depression
- temperature
- chills
- sore throat
- hair loss
- urination problems
- articolar pains
- loss of appetite
- hearing loss
- muscle weakness, pain or cramps
- numbness, burning or tingling in the hands, arms, legs or feet
- pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- redness, swelling, blistering on the skin or peeling
- annoying hearing disorders
- sensitivity to light
- shortness of breath
- severe stomach or back pain
- sudden weight loss
- insomnia
- bleeding or bruising
- tiredness or fatigue
- vision problems
Warnings on the use of Itraconazole
Itraconazole should not be taken together with Cisapride, Pimozide, Quinidine, Dofetilide or Levacetilmetadol.
Equally important is not to end treatment earlier than expected.
Before you start taking the drug, it is important to tell your doctor:
- of any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or to any other medication or food, in particular to azole antifungals;
- of the medicines, phytotherapy and supplements taken, in particular Aldosterone antagonists, Alprazolam, Stemizole, Cisapride, Conivaptan, Dofetilide, Ergot derivatives, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, Levacetil Metadol, Midazolam (orally), Nevirapine, Nisolpidine, Pimozide, Quinazoline, Quinidine, Rifabutin, Rifampicin, Terfenadine, Triazolam and 5-HT receptor antagonists;
- if you suffer (or have suffered) from diabetes , cardiovascular, kidney or liver problems , HIV infection , weakening of the immune system, respiratory diseases, hypochlorhydria, nerve disorders, water retention or swelling;
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding .
It must be remembered that Itraconazole can interfere with the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives and that it can compromise the ability to drive or operate dangerous machinery. This side effect can be made worse by alcohol.Finally, it is important to communicate to surgeons and dentists if you are on treatment with Itraconazole.
