itraconazole capsule
Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule is used to treat various fungal infections. You might have to take it for several weeks or months. It interacts with many medications, which can lead to serious heart-related side effects.
What is Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule?
What is Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule used for?
Severe fungal infections in people with weakened or healthy immune systems - itraconazole (Tolsura) and itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule:
- Blastomycosis
- Histoplasmosis
- Aspergillosis in people in which amphotericin b (Ambisome) hasn't worked or isn't tolerated
Fungal toenail and fingernail infections (onychomycosis) for people with healthy immune systems - itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule only
How Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule works
Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule is an antifungal medication. It kills the fungus causing your infection by damaging its protective outer layer.
Drug facts
Side effects of Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea (11%)
- Rash (3-9%)
- Vomiting (5%)
- Swelling in the arms and legs (4%)
- Headache (1-4%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Tiredness
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Sleepiness
- Itchiness
- Dizziness
- Lower sex drive
Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Congestive heart failure (CHF): trouble breathing, swelling in the arms and legs, sudden weight gain, tiredness, dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling your heart beat very fast
- Abnormal heart rhythm: dizziness, feeling faint, lightheaded, feeling your heart beating fast
- Liver failure: nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), dark-colored urine, pale-colored stools
The following Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Decreased urine output
increased thirst
irregular heartbeat
loss of appetite
mood changes
muscle pain or cramps
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
seizures
trouble breathing
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
Less common
Blurred vision
chills
clay-colored stools
cloudy urine
cold sweats
confusion
dark urine
decrease in urine-concentrating ability
dizziness
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
drowsiness
feeling unusually cold
headache
itching, skin rash
light-colored stools
mental changes
muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
muscle spasms (tetany) or twitching
nervousness
noisy, rattling breathing
numbness and tingling around the mouth or fingertips
pounding in the ears
shivering
slow, fast, or pounding heartbeat or pulse
stomach cramps or pain
sweating
swelling of the fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs
tightness in the chest
trembling
troubled breathing at rest
unpleasant breath odor
vomiting of blood
yellow eyes or skin
Rare
Black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
blood in the urine or stools
blue lips and fingernails
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, painful, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
cracks in the skin
decreased appetite
difficulty with swallowing
dilated neck veins
disturbed color perception
double vision
extreme tiredness or weakness
fast or irregular breathing
feeling of discomfort
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
halos around lights
hearing loss
hives or welts
inflammation of the joints
joint pain
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
loss of heat from the body
loss of vision
lower back or side pain
night blindness
overbright appearance of lights
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
rapid weight gain
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
red, swollen skin
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
stomach pain, continuing
stomach tenderness
swollen lymph glands
tunnel vision
unsteadiness or awkwardness
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual weight gain or loss
upper right abdominal or stomach pain
weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
Incidence not known
difficult, fast, noisy breathing
indigestion
loss of bladder control
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Decreased interest in sexual intercourse
difficulty having a bowel movement
difficulty with moving
discouragement
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
feeling sad or empty
inability to have or keep an erection
irritability
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
loss of interest or pleasure
muscle aching or stiffness
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
passing of gas
sensation of spinning
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
soreness of the skin
stomach fullness or discomfort
stuffy or runny nose
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
Pros and cons of Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule
Pros
- Works to treat some serious and life-threatening fungal infections
- Available as a lower-cost generic
- Can be taken once a day for most conditions
Cons
- Can raise your risk for serious heart problems, including heart failure
- Must be taken for several weeks to months
- Interacts with many medications
Pharmacist tips for Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule
- Continue to take itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule even if your infection seems better. Stopping too early can cause your infection to come back and be more difficult to treat.
- Make sure to take itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule at the same time each day with a full meal. This will help the medication to work consistently and be absorbed by your body properly. Don't cut, crush, or open the capsules. Swallow your dose of itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule whole.
- If you take any medications that lower your stomach acid (e.g. famotidine (Pepcid) or omeprazole (Prilosec), your body might not absorb enough itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule to work well. Try taking itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule with an acidic beverage like orange juice or non-diet soda to make sure your body properly absorbs the medication.
- Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule can cause serious heart problems, including congestive heart failure (CHF). If you start to have trouble breathing, swelling in the arms and legs, sudden weight gain, tiredness, or dizziness, stop taking the medication and contact your provider right away.
- Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule interacts with many medications, including loperamide (Imodium A-D), simvastatin (Zocor), certain probiotics, and red yeast rice. This is not a complete list of all interactions, so please speak with your healthcare provider and pharmacist before starting itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule. Be sure to tell them about any over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, and herbal products you take.
Common questions about Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule
No. Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule is not FDA-approved to treat vaginal yeast infections. The medication has serious side effects and should only be used for serious fungal infections or fungal infections that are difficult to treat, like fungal nail infections.
Yes. You should take itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule with a full meal. This allows your body to absorb the appropriate amount of the medication so it can work better.
Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule is FDA approved to treat serious fungal infections and fungal nail infections. On the other hand itraconazole (Sporanox) oral solution is FDA approved to treat fungal infections of the mouth and esophagus. Although they both have the same brand name, they contain different amounts of itraconazole so they aren't interchangeable and won't work the same way.
Both itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule and itraconazole (Tolsura) contain the same active medication, itraconazole. While itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule capsules are FDA approved to treat serious fungal infections and fungal nail infections, itraconazole (Tolsura) is only FDA approved to treat serious fungal infections. Again, they contain different amounts of itraconazole making them not interchangeable. In addition, itraconazole (Onmel) was previously available to treat toenail fungal infections only, but has since been discontinued in the United States.
Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule hasn't been studied in pregnancy, but animal studies show that it could be harmful to unborn babies. Be sure to use a reliable form of birth control while on itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule and for 2 months after you have finished your last dose. If you find out you are pregnant while taking itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule, call your healthcare provider right away.
How to save using GoodRx
Risks and warnings for Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule
Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Risk factors: History of CHF | History of other heart problems | History of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | Kidney problems | Other conditions that cause swelling in the body
Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule can cause congestive heart failure (CHF), a life-threatening problem where your heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should. Your risk of this is very high if you already have a history of CHF, so you shouldn't take itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule if you have this condition. If you have other heart problems, COPD, kidney problems, or other medical conditions that cause swelling in the body, your risk for developing CHF is also higher than people without these conditions. Make sure your healthcare provider knows about all medical conditions you have before you start itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule, even if those conditions are under control or not currently bothering you. If you start to have trouble breathing, suddenly become very tired, notice swelling in your arms or legs, gain 2 to 3 pounds in a day or over 5 pounds in a week, or have a very fast heart rate, stop taking the medication and call your provider right away.
Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
- Risk factors: Taking other medications that cause this same heart rhythm problem
Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule can cause a serious heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation. This can cause your heart to stop.
There are many medications that can also cause QT prolongation including quinidine, pimozide (Orap), cisapride, and methadone (Methadose). Let your healthcare provider know if you have any heart problems as well as all medications you take, including over-the-counter (OTC) products, vitamins, and herbal supplements, before starting itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule.
Liver damage
- Risk factors: History of liver problems | History of developing liver problems from other medications | Abnormal liver blood test results
Very rarely, itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule can cause life-threatening liver damage or liver failure. Your risk of this is higher if you have or have had liver problems. You will most likely have to have blood tests done before starting itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule to make sure your liver is healthy enough to take it. If you experience unexplained stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, or yellowing of your skin or eyes, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Interactions with other medications
Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule is known to interact with many medications, including OTC vitamins and herbals. Some of these interactions can be dangerous or life-threatening.
When itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule is taken with other medications, it can cause your body to absorb more of those medications. This can raise your risk for serious side effects. On the other hand itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule can also lower the absorption of other medications if taken together. So itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule prevents certain medications from not working as well.
Make sure to tell both your healthcare provider and your pharmacist about all medications and over-the-counter products you are taking before you start itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule, even if you only take them once in a while or as needed.
Hearing loss
- Risk factors: People taking quinidine | Age 65 years and older
Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule can cause hearing loss for some people. It usually gets better after you stop taking the medication, but in some people it can be permanent. Your risk is higher if you're over 65 years old and very high if you are also taking the medication quinidine. For this reason, you should never take quinidine and itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule together. If you notice you start having trouble hearing after starting itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule, let your healthcare provider know.
Vision problems
Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule can sometimes cause blurred or double vision. Don't drive or operate any machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Let your provider know if you start to have vision problems.
Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
- Risk factors: Taking itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule for a long time
itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule can cause nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy), especially when taken for a long time. Let your provider know if you start experiencing numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. Your provider might have you stop treatment if this happens.
Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule dosage
Capsule| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100mg | 60 capsules | $47.48 | $0.79 |
Typical dosage for Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule
Blastomycosis and histoplasmosis:
- Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule: The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth with a full meal once a day for at least 3 months. The dose can be raised to a maximum of 400 mg per day.
- Itraconazole (Tolsura): The typical dose is 130 mg by mouth once daily. The dose can be raised to a maximum of 260 mg per day (130 mg by mouth twice daily).
Aspergillosis:
- Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule: The typical dose is 200 mg to 400 mg by mouth per day with a full meal for at least 3 months.
- Itraconazole (Tolsura): The typical dose is 130 mg by mouth once daily OR 130 mg by mouth twice daily. The maximum daily dose is 260 mg per day.
Fungal nail infections (toenails and fingernails OR toenails only):
- Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule: The typical dose is 200 mg once daily with a full meal for 12 weeks.
Fungal nail infections (fingernails only):
- Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule: The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth twice a day with a full meal for 1 week. Then, you will have 3 weeks without any medication. After that, you will take 200 mg by mouth twice a day with a full meal for 1 week.
Interactions between Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Alfuzosin
- Alprazolam
- Astemizole
- Avanafil
- Bepridil
- Cisapride
- Colchicine
- Conivaptan
- Dabigatran Etexilate
- Dihydroergotamine
- Disopyramide
- Dofetilide
- Dronedarone
- Eletriptan
- Eliglustat
- Eplerenone
- Ergonovine
- Ergotamine
- Felodipine
- Flibanserin
- Fluconazole
- Irinotecan
- Irinotecan Liposome
- Isavuconazonium Sulfate
- Ivabradine
- Levomethadyl
- Lomitapide
- Lovastatin
- Lurasidone
- Maraviroc
- Mesoridazine
- Methadone
- Methylergonovine
- Methysergide
- Midazolam
- Naloxegol
- Nelfinavir
- Nisoldipine
- Pimozide
- Piperaquine
- Posaconazole
- Quinidine
- Ranolazine
- Silodosin
- Simvastatin
- Solifenacin
- Sparfloxacin
- Telithromycin
- Terfenadine
- Thioridazine
- Ticagrelor
- Tolvaptan
- Triazolam
- Ubrogepant
- Venetoclax
- Voclosporin
- Ziprasidone
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abametapir
- Acalabrutinib
- Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine
- Afatinib
- Alfentanil
- Aliskiren
- Amiodarone
- Amisulpride
- Anagrelide
- Apalutamide
- Apixaban
- Apomorphine
- Aprepitant
- Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole Lauroxil
- Arsenic Trioxide
- Atorvastatin
- Avapritinib
- Axitinib
- Bedaquiline
- Benzhydrocodone
- Berotralstat
- Betrixaban
- Boceprevir
- Bosutinib
- Bretylium
- Brexpiprazole
- Brigatinib
- Bromocriptine
- Buprenorphine
- Buserelin
- Cabazitaxel
- Cabozantinib
- Calcifediol
- Carbamazepine
- Cariprazine
- Ceritinib
- Chloroquine
- Cilostazol
- Citalopram
- Clarithromycin
- Clofazimine
- Clozapine
- Cobicistat
- Cobimetinib
- Codeine
- Copanlisib
- Crizotinib
- Cyclosporine
- Dabrafenib
- Daclatasvir
- Darifenacin
- Dasatinib
- Deflazacort
- Degarelix
- Delamanid
- Deslorelin
- Deutetrabenazine
- Dexamethasone
- Digoxin
- Dihydrocodeine
- Docetaxel
- Domperidone
- Donepezil
- Doxorubicin
- Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome
- Duvelisib
- Edoxaban
- Efavirenz
- Elagolix
- Elbasvir
- Elexacaftor
- Elvitegravir
- Encorafenib
- Entrectinib
- Erlotinib
- Escitalopram
- Eszopiclone
- Everolimus
- Fedratinib
- Fentanyl
- Fingolimod
- Fluoxetine
- Fluticasone
- Formoterol
- Fosaprepitant
- Foscarnet
- Fosnetupitant
- Fosphenytoin
- Fostemsavir
- Glasdegib
- Gonadorelin
- Goserelin
- Grazoprevir
- Halofantrine
- Haloperidol
- Histrelin
- Hydrocodone
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Hydroxyzine
- Ibrutinib
- Ibutilide
- Idelalisib
- Iloperidone
- Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
- Istradefylline
- Ivacaftor
- Ivosidenib
- Ixabepilone
- Lapatinib
- Larotrectinib
- Lefamulin
- Lemborexant
- Lenvatinib
- Levofloxacin
- Levomilnacipran
- Lofexidine
- Lorlatinib
- Lumacaftor
- Lumateperone
- Lurbinectedin
- Macimorelin
- Macitentan
- Manidipine
- Meperidine
- Metronidazole
- Midostaurin
- Mifepristone
- Mirtazapine
- Morphine
- Morphine Sulfate Liposome
- Moxifloxacin
- Nafarelin
- Neratinib
- Netupitant
- Nevirapine
- Nifedipine
- Nilotinib
- Olaparib
- Ondansetron
- Osilodrostat
- Osimertinib
- Oxaliplatin
- Oxycodone
- Ozanimod
- Palbociclib
- Panobinostat
- Pasireotide
- Pazopanib
- Pemigatinib
- Pentazocine
- Pexidartinib
- Phenytoin
- Pimavanserin
- Pitolisant
- Pixantrone
- Ponatinib
- Ponesimod
- Pralsetinib
- Quetiapine
- Reboxetine
- Regorafenib
- Relugolix
- Repaglinide
- Retapamulin
- Ribociclib
- Rifabutin
- Rifampin
- Rimegepant
- Riociguat
- Risperidone
- Rivaroxaban
- Romidepsin
- Ruxolitinib
- Salmeterol
- Selpercatinib
- Selumetinib
- Sertraline
- Sevoflurane
- Sildenafil
- Simeprevir
- Siponimod
- Sirolimus
- Sonidegib
- Sotalol
- St John's Wort
- Sufentanil
- Sulpiride
- Sunitinib
- Suvorexant
- Tacrolimus
- Tadalafil
- Talazoparib
- Tamsulosin
- Tazemetostat
- Temsirolimus
- Tezacaftor
- Thiotepa
- Topotecan
- Toremifene
- Trabectedin
- Tramadol
- Trazodone
- Triclabendazole
- Triptorelin
- Valbenazine
- Vandetanib
- Vardenafil
- Vemurafenib
- Venlafaxine
- Vilanterol
- Vilazodone
- Vinblastine
- Vincristine
- Vincristine Sulfate Liposome
- Vinflunine
- Vinorelbine
- Vorapaxar
- Voxelotor
- Warfarin
- Zanubrutinib
- Zolpidem
- Zuclopenthixol
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acenocoumarol
- Anisindione
- Buspirone
- Busulfan
- Ciprofloxacin
- Dicumarol
- Didanosine
- Indinavir
- Meloxicam
- Micafungin
- Phenprocoumon
- Ritonavir
- Rosuvastatin
- Saquinavir
- Tolterodine
How much does Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule cost?
Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule will not be safe for you to take.
- Congestive heart failure
- Taking medications that can lead to QT prolongation (e.g. dofetilide (Tikosyn), quinidine, pimozide (Orap), cisapride, methadone (Methadose), disopyramide (Norpace), Multaq (dronedarone), and ranolazine (Ranexa))
- Taking dihydroergotamine or ergotamine
- People with kidney or liver problems taking colchicine (Colcrys), fesoterodine (Toviaz), or solifenacin (Vesicare)
- People who are pregnant or those planning on becoming pregnant using the medication to treat fungal nail infections
What are alternatives to Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule?
Severe fungal infections in people with weakened or healthy immune systems - itraconazole (Tolsura) and itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule:
Fungal toenail and fingernail infections (onychomycosis) for people with healthy immune systems - itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule only
News about Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule
Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsule images
