ADAP drugs: itraconazole

itraconazole (Sporonox)

Drug description
Itraconazole is a maintenance treatment for fungal infections and is being studied for prevention of histoplasmosis, and for treatment of mild cases of histoplasmosis and blastomycosis. A liquid form of the drug has been approved for the treatment of thrush in the mouth and throat. Blastomycosis is an infectious disease caused by a fungus, primarily involving the lungs and occasionally spreading to the skin. The fungus is of unknown natural source. Most reported cases are from the USA, chiefly in the southeastern states and the Mississippi River valley, and occur in men aged 20 to 40. When infection occurs in the lungs, a dry hacking or productive cough, chest pain, fever, chills, drenching sweats, and shortness of breath may occur. Itraconazole is available in pill form for systemic treatment of vaginal candidiasis.

Side effects
Nausea, headaches, fatigue, abdominal cramps, rash, and loss of potassium.

Dosage
Itraconazole comes in 100 mg capsules or as a liquid solution. The liquid solution is better absorbed by the body than the pill. Itraconazole should be taken with food. You shouldn't take antacids, anticonvulsants or rifampin at the same time as itraconazole, because they can reduce the effectiveness of treatment. For treatment of blastomycosis or histoplasmosis, the recommended initial adult dosage is 200 mg once daily. If there is no apparent improvement, the dosage can be increased by 100 mg increments daily up to a maximum dosage of 400 mg daily. Dosages exceeding 200 mg daily should be divided into 2 doses daily. The recommended dosage of the liquid solution is 100 mg - 200 mg daily for the treatment of thrush.

How long it may take to work
Clearing of symptoms of fungal infection indicate the drug is working. Treatment should continue for at least 3 months until lab tests show that the fungal infection has subsided. An inadequate period of treatment can result in recurrence of active infection.

Managing side effects
Drugs that can help reduce the symptoms of nausea include Compazine, Phenergan, and Reglan. Eating dry salty foods like crackers can also help with nausea and vomiting. Don’t lie down right after you eat.

This information is specific to the use of this medication for HIV-related conditions. For additional information about this drug for other conditions, refer to: www.nursespdr.com/ and www.healthanswers.com/Library/library_fset.asp

The drug descriptions on these pages are intended for informational purposes only. The Network does not promote or endorse the use of any specific treatment for any health-related condition. The medications described here can only be dispensed by a licensed health care professional. The information may have changed since these pages were updated, though every effort is made to keep these pages current. Please contact The Network at (800) 734-7104 to make sure you have the most up-to-date information

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