Sporanox capsules (itraconazole)

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How does it work?

Sporanox capsules contain the active ingredient itraconazole, which is a type of medicine called a triazole antifungal. It is used to treat infections caused by fungi.

Itraconazole works by preventing fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes.

The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. Without ergosterol as part of the cell membrane, the membrane is weakened and damaged, and essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and hence clears up the infection.

Itraconazole is used to treat a number of different types of fungal infections, including those of the genitals, mouth and skin. It is also useful for treating systemic (whole body) fungal infections and to prevent them from developing in people with an underactive immune system (for example, due to AIDS).

Sporanox capsules are taken by mouth. Alternatively, itraconazole may be administered via a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) depending on the type and severity of the infection. The length of treatment will also depend on the type and severity of the infection.

What is it used for?

- Fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, or pityriasis versicolor
- Vaginal thrush (vulvovaginal candidiasis)
- Oral thrush
- Fungal nail infections
- Fungal infection called histoplasmosis
- 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 white blood cell count (neutropenia).

Warning!

- Sporanox capsules must be taken immediately after a meal. They should be swallowed whole and not chewed or broken.
- Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is important that you finish the prescribed course of this antifungal medicine, even if you feel better or it seems the infection has cleared up. Stopping the course early increases the chance that the infection will come back and that the fungi will grow resistant to the antifungal.
- Women who could get pregnant should use an effective method of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking a course of this medicine. A barrier method such as condoms should preferably be used, as this medicine may possibly reduce the effectiveness of the pill (see end of factsheet). After you have finished the course of this medicine you should keep using contraception until your next menstrual period. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine may very rarely cause liver problems.

For this reason your doctor may want you to have regular blood tests to monitor your liver function while you are taking this medicine. Consult your doctor promptly if you develop unexplained itching, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), unusually dark urine, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pains, loss of appetite or flu-like symptoms while taking this medicine, as these could be signs of a liver problem.
- Consult your doctor immediately if you experience abnormal sensations in your feet and/or hands while taking this medicine, for example, numbness, tingling or burning sensations or pain, as this could be indicative of a nerve problem called peripheral neuropathy.
- The safety and efficacy of this medicine for treating infections in elderly people or in children under 12 years of age has not been established.

Use with caution in

.

- Allergy to other azole antifungal medicines, eg fluconazole, ketoconazole
- Heart failure or history of heart failure
- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
- Liver disease
- History of liver problems caused by the use of a medicine
- People taking other medicines that can have side effects on the liver.

Not to be used in

- Allergy to any ingredient.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should not be used during pregnancy unless the infection being treated is life-threatening and the potential benefit of treatment outweighs any potential risk to the developing baby. This is because the medicine could potentially be harmful to a developing baby. Women who could get pregnant should use an effective method of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking a course of this medicine. A barrier method such as condoms should preferably be used, as this medicine may reduce the effectiveness of the pill. After you have finished the course of this medicine you should keep using contraception until your next menstrual period. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine passes into breast milk. It should be avoided in breastfeeding women unless the potential benefit outweighs any risk to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

- Take this medication with or after food.
- This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.
- Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as this medication.
- Take at regular intervals. Complete the prescribed course unless otherwise directed.

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