Itraconazole

Generic Name: itraconazole

Azole Antifungal [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Sporanox

DESCRIPTION SPORANOX ® is the brand name for itraconazole, an azole antifungal agent. Itraconazole is a 1:1:1:1 racemic mixture of four diastereomers (two enantiomeric pairs), each possessing three chiral centers.

Overview

DESCRIPTION SPORANOX ® is the brand name for itraconazole, an azole antifungal agent. Itraconazole is a 1:1:1:1 racemic mixture of four diastereomers (two enantiomeric pairs), each possessing three chiral centers.

Uses

INDICATIONS AND USAGE SPORANOX ® (itraconazole) Capsules are indicated for the treatment of the following fungal infections in immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised patients: Blastomycosis, pulmonary and extrapulmonary Histoplasmosis, including chronic cavitary pulmonary disease and disseminated, non-meningeal histoplasmosis, and Aspergillosis, pulmonary and extrapulmonary, in patients who are intolerant of or who are refractory to amphotericin B therapy. Specimens for fungal cultures and other relevant laboratory studies (wet mount, histopathology, serology) should be obtained before therapy to isolate and identify causative organisms.

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION SPORANOX ® (itraconazole) Capsules should be taken with a full meal to ensure maximal absorption. SPORANOX ® (itraconazole) Capsules must be swallowed whole. SPORANOX ® Capsules is a different preparation than SPORANOX ® Oral Solution and should not be used interchangeably. Treatment of Blastomycosis and Histoplasmosis The recommended dose is 200 mg once daily (2 capsules). If there is no obvious improvement, or there is evidence of progressive fungal disease, the dose should be increased in 100-mg increments to a maximum of 400 mg daily. Doses above 200 mg/day should be given in two divided doses. Treatment of Aspergillosis A daily dose of 200 to 400 mg is recommended.

Side Effects

ADVERSE REACTIONS Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. SPORANOX ® has been associated with rare cases of serious hepatotoxicity, including liver failure and death. Some of these cases had neither pre-existing liver disease nor a serious underlying medical condition. If clinical signs or symptoms develop that are consistent with liver disease, treatment should be discontinued and liver function testing performed. The risks and benefits of SPORANOX ® use should be reassessed.

Interactions

Drug Interactions Effect of SPORANOX ® on Other Drugs Itraconazole and its major metabolite, hydroxy-itraconazole, are potent CYP3A4 inhibitors. Itraconazole is an inhibitor of the drug transporters P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). Consequently, SPORANOX ® has the potential to interact with many concomitant drugs resulting in either increased or sometimes decreased concentrations of the concomitant drugs.

Warnings

BOXED WARNING Congestive Heart Failure, Cardiac Effects and Drug Interactions Congestive Heart Failure and Cardiac Effects SPORANOX ® (itraconazole) Capsules should not be administered for the treatment of onychomycosis in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction such as congestive heart failure (CHF) or a history of CHF. If signs or symptoms of congestive heart failure occur during administration of SPORANOX ® Capsules, discontinue administration. WARNINGS Hepatic Effects SPORANOX ® has been associated with rare cases of serious hepatotoxicity, including liver failure and death. Some of these cases had neither pre-existing liver disease nor a serious underlying medical condition, and some of these cases developed within the first week of treatment. If clinical signs or symptoms develop that are consistent with liver disease, treatment should be discontinued and liver function testing performed. Continued SPORANOX ® use or reinstitution of treatment with SPORANOX ® is strongly discouraged unless there is a serious or life-threatening situation where the expected benefit exceeds the risk. CONTRAINDICATIONS Congestive Heart Failure SPORANOX ® (itraconazole) Capsules should not be administered for the treatment of onychomycosis in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction such as congestive heart failure (CHF) or a history of CHF.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Itraconazole was found to cause a dose-related increase in maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity, and teratogenicity in rats at dosage levels of approximately 40–160 mg/kg/day (1-4 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparisons), and in mice at dosage levels of approximately 80 mg/kg/day (1 time the MRHD based on body surface area comparisons). Itraconazole has been shown to cross the placenta in a rat model. In rats, the teratogenicity consisted of major skeletal defects; in mice, it consisted of encephaloceles and/or macroglossia.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature 15°–25°C (59°–77°F). Protect from light and moisture. For patent information: www.janssenpatents.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Itraconazole used for?

INDICATIONS AND USAGE SPORANOX ® (itraconazole) Capsules are indicated for the treatment of the following fungal infections in immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised patients: Blastomycosis, pulmonary and extrapulmonary Histoplasmosis, including chronic cavitary pulmonary disease and disseminated, non-meningeal histoplasmosis, and Aspergillosis, pulmonary and extrapulmonary, in patients who are intolerant of or who are refractory to amphotericin B therapy. Specimens for fungal cultures and other relevant laboratory studies (wet mount, histopathology, serology) should be obtained before therapy to isolate and identify causative organisms.

What are the side effects of Itraconazole?

ADVERSE REACTIONS Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. SPORANOX ® has been associated with rare cases of serious hepatotoxicity, including liver failure and death. Some of these cases had neither pre-existing liver disease nor a serious underlying medical condition. If clinical signs or symptoms develop that are consistent with liver disease, treatment should be discontinued and liver function testing performed. The risks and benefits of SPORANOX ® use should be reassessed.

Can I take Itraconazole during pregnancy?

Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Itraconazole was found to cause a dose-related increase in maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity, and teratogenicity in rats at dosage levels of approximately 40–160 mg/kg/day (1-4 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparisons), and in mice at dosage levels of approximately 80 mg/kg/day (1 time the MRHD based on body surface area comparisons). Itraconazole has been shown to cross the placenta in a rat model. In rats, the teratogenicity consisted of major skeletal defects; in mice, it consisted of encephaloceles and/or macroglossia.

What are the important warnings for Itraconazole?

BOXED WARNING Congestive Heart Failure, Cardiac Effects and Drug Interactions Congestive Heart Failure and Cardiac Effects SPORANOX ® (itraconazole) Capsules should not be administered for the treatment of onychomycosis in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction such as congestive heart failure (CHF) or a history of CHF. If signs or symptoms of congestive heart failure occur during administration of SPORANOX ® Capsules, discontinue administration. WARNINGS Hepatic Effects SPORANOX ® has been associated with rare cases of serious hepatotoxicity, including liver failure and death. Some of these cases had neither pre-existing liver disease nor a serious underlying medical condition, and some of these cases developed within the first week of treatment. If clinical signs or symptoms develop that are consistent with liver disease, treatment should be discontinued and liver function testing performed. Continued SPORANOX ® use or reinstitution of treatment with SPORANOX ® is strongly discouraged unless there is a serious or life-threatening situation where the expected benefit exceeds the risk. CONTRAINDICATIONS Congestive Heart Failure SPORANOX ® (itraconazole) Capsules should not be administered for the treatment of onychomycosis in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction such as congestive heart failure (CHF) or a history of CHF.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.