Description
💊 What is Itraconazole 100mg?
Itraconazole is a prescription antifungal medication used to treat a variety of fungal infections. It works by stopping the growth of fungi by interfering with their cell membrane formation. Itraconazole is commonly used for:
-
Systemic fungal infections such as histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, and aspergillosis.
-
Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis).
-
Yeast infections of the mouth, throat, or esophagus.
🧪 Ingredients and Formulation
Each capsule contains:
-
Itraconazole 100 mg (active ingredient)
-
Inactive ingredients: sugar spheres, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, and other capsule components.
Form: Gelatin capsule
Route: Oral
📋 How to Use
-
Take with a full meal to enhance absorption.
-
Swallow whole; do not crush or chew.
-
Dosage: Depends on infection type, usually 100–200 mg daily, sometimes for weeks or months.
-
Take doses at the same time daily.
Important: Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and do not skip doses, as this may lead to treatment failure or resistance.
🤒 Common Side Effects
Most side effects are mild and temporary:
-
Nausea or vomiting
-
Diarrhea or stomach pain
-
Headache
-
Dizziness
-
Skin rash
-
Mild liver enzyme elevation
⚠️ Serious Side Effects
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
-
Signs of liver damage: Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual fatigue
-
Heart failure symptoms: Shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, fast heartbeat
-
Severe allergic reactions: Swelling, itching, difficulty breathing
-
Hearing loss (rare but reversible)
-
Peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in hands/feet)
📊 Monitoring & Follow-Up
-
Liver function tests (LFTs) before and during treatment
-
Cardiac evaluation in patients with heart disease history
-
Drug interaction review: Itraconazole affects CYP3A4, so inform your doctor about all medications
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
-
Not for use in patients with congestive heart failure (black box warning)
-
Pregnancy Category C – Use only if clearly needed
-
Avoid alcohol to reduce liver risk
-
May cause dizziness—avoid driving or operating machinery if affected
-
Do not take with antacids or proton pump inhibitors within 2 hours of dose
Drug Interactions: Avoid co-use with drugs like:
-
Quinidine, dofetilide (risk of arrhythmia)
-
Statins (risk of rhabdomyolysis)
-
Rifampin, phenytoin (reduce effectiveness)
📝 Summary
Itraconazole 100mg is an effective antifungal used to manage serious and stubborn fungal infections. While generally well-tolerated, it carries risks that require regular monitoring, especially liver function and potential cardiac issues. Always follow your healthcare provider’s directions and report any side effects promptly. Due to significant drug interactions, a full medication review is essential before starting therapy.
Note: This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
