Sporanox liquid (itraconazole)

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How does it work?

Sporanox liquid contains the active ingredient itraconazole, which is a type of medicine called a triazole antifungal. It is used to treat and prevent 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 liquid is used to treat fungal infections of the mouth and throat (oral thrush) in people with an underactive immune system. Each dose of the liquid should be swished around the mouth for approximately 20 seconds and then swallowed. The mouth should not be rinsed after swallowing the liquid.

Itraconazole liquid is also used to prevent deep and potentially serious fungal infections in people who are having a bone marrow transplant, or who have cancer of the blood cells and whose white blood cell counts are expected to fall, for example due to chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment. A low white blood cell count would leave the body susceptible to infections, so itraconazole is used to help the body kill off any invading fungi before an infection can take hold.

What is it used for?

- Thrush infections of the mouth or throat (oral or oesophageal candidiasis) in people with an underactive immune system, for example due to HIV infection.
- Preventing deep fungal infections in people who are having a bone marrow transplant or who have cancer of the blood cells, and whose white blood cell count is expected to fall (neutropenia).

Warning!

- Sporanox liquid should be taken without food on an empty stomach. You should not eat for at least one hour after taking the medicine.
- 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.
- If you are taking this medicine to prevent a fungal infection you should inform your doctor if you experience any diarrhoea, because this may make the medicine less effective and your doctor may want you to stop taking it.
- 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.
- There is limited information on the safety and efficacy of this medicine for treating elderly people or children under 12 years of age. Use in these age groups is not recommended unless the doctor considers the potential benefit outweighs the potential risks.

Use with caution in

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- 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
- Rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance (Sporanox liquid contains sorbitol).

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 not be used by women who are breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

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- This medicine should be taken an hour before food or on an empty stomach.
- Take at regular intervals. Complete the prescribed course unless otherwise directed.

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