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Sporanox (Itraconazole) is an anti-fungal drug in the same class of drugs as fluconazole (Diflucan) and ketoconazole (Nizoral). It prevents growing of several types from fungi by preventing the fungi from growing the membranes that border the fungal cells.
Sporanox used to treat a several fungal infections, such as:
athlete's foot (tinea pedis), ringworm (tinea corporis), eczema marginatum (tinea cruris) or pityriasis versicolor.
Vaginal thrush (vulvovaginal candidiasis).
Oral thrush (oropharyngeal candidiasis).
Fungal nail infections.
Systemic fungal infections caused by Cryptococcus fungi (cryptococcosis), including cryptococcal meningitis.
Systemic fungal infections caused by Aspergillus fungi (aspergillosis).
Systemic fungal infections caused by Candida fungi (candidiasis).
Preventing systemic fungal infections in people with AIDS or a low leucocyte count (neutropenia).
Sporanox (Itraconazole) invented in 1984 and marketed by Janssen Pharmaceutica. The FDA approved itraconazole in September 1992.
How should I use Sporanox?
Take Sporanox orally with a full glass of water. Follow the instructions on the prescription. Take after eating a full meal. If you have a condition called achlorhydria, are taking H2-receptor antagonists or other gastric acid suppressors, you should take Sporanox with a cola beverage. Take your doses at regular time intervals. Do not take Sporanox more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your paediatrician concerning the use of Sporanox in children. Special care may be required.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of Sporanox contact a poison control center or emergency room at a time. Note: Sporanox is only for you. Do not share Sporanox with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with Sporanox?
Do not take Sporanox with any of the following:
alfuzosin cisapride ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine nevirapine pimozide red yeast rice sirolimus some medicines for anxiety or sleep like alprazolam, clorazepate, flurazepam, midazolam, triazolam some medicines for cancer treatment some medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin, cerivastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin some medicines for the heart like conivaptan, dofetilide, eplerenone, quinidine, ranolazine.
Sporanox may also interact with the following:
antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS cilostazol cyclosporine erythromycin medicines for stomach problems like cimetidine, famotidine, omeprazole, lansoprazole medicines for tuberculosis like isoniazid, INH, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine other medicines for fungal infections phenytoin, fosphenytoin some medicines for diabetes.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs.
What side effects may I notice from Sporanox?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or doctor as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue breathing problems cough up mucus dark urine fast, irregular heartbeat general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms light-colored stools loss of appetite nausea, vomiting pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth right upper belly pain sudden weight gain swelling in feet, ankles, or legs unusually weak or tired yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea.
dizziness.
headache.
stomach upset or bloating.
This list may not describe all possible side effects.
What should I watch for while using Sporanox?
Visit your doctor for check ups. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Some fungal infections can take many weeks or months of treatment to cure.
Avoid medicines for your stomach like antacids, anticholinergics and acid blockers for at least two hours after taking Sporanox.
Where should I keep Sporanox?
Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Shelf life of the pills: The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
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