Itraconazole 200mg Capsule

Itraconazole Capsules are classified as antifungal medications used to treat fungal infections in various body parts like the mouth, throat, toe nails, fingernails, and lungs. Fungal infections are caused when fungi attack tissue, leading to disease, sometimes spreading between individuals. 

Contains itraconazole, an antifungal agent that inhibits ergosterol production, a vital part of fungal cell membranes. This action weakens and harms the membranes, crucial for fungal survival, as they prevent unwanted substances from entering and retaining cell contents. Consequently, the primary components of fungal cells escape, effectively eradicating the fungi and resolving the fungal infection.

Uses of Itraconazole Capsules

It is used to treat fungal infections of:

• Mouth 
• Vagina (thrush)
• Skin 
• Finger 
• Toenails
• Diseases like Aspergillosis (fungal infection in the lungs), Blastomycosis (Gilchrist’s disease), or histoplasmosis (Darling’s disease).

Medical Benefits Itraconazole Capsules

• It is an antifungal used to treat fungal infections of the mouth, throat, toenails, fingernails or lungs. 
• The fungal cell membranes are essential for their survival as they prevent the entry of unwanted substances into the cells and stop the leakage of cell contents. 
• These capsules inhibit the production of ergosterol (a main component of the cell membranes of fungi). Thus, weakening and damaging the fungal cell membranes causing the main components of fungal cells to leak out. 

Directions For Use Itraconazole Capsules

• Take it with food to avoid stomach upset or as advised by the doctor. 
• Swallow the whole tablet with a glass of water. 
• Do not break, crush or chew it. 
• If you are taking any stomach acid suppressor or have achlorhydria (the stomach does not produce hydrochloric acid), take Itraconazole Capsules with cola.

Storage Itraconazole Capsules

• Store in a cool and dry place.
• Keep it away from sunlight.
• Keep it out of reach of children.

Precautions for Itraconazole Capsules

• Itraconazole Capsules is a pregnancy category C drug and may cause harm to the unborn baby. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Avoid taking fentanyl (a strong opioid painkiller narcotic medicine) with this medicine, as it may cause severe breathing problems and can even lead to death. 
• Do not take the capsule if you have heart failure as it may cause severe life-threatening adverse effects.
• Consult a doctor as this medicine may interact with antacids (esomeprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole), blood thinners (warfarin), blood cholesterol-lowering medicines (simvastatin), anti-allergic drugs (terfenadine) and antianxiety drug (alprazolam), etc.
• Avoid consumption of alcohol with this capsule as it may increase the risk of liver problems and other adverse effects

Side Effects of Itraconazole Capsules

• Nausea
• Headache
• Diarrhoea
• Tiredness
• Cough
• Cold
• Throat pain
• Back pain
• Stomach pain

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I take Itraconazole Capsules with simvastatin?

You are not recommended to take it with simvastatin as co-administration of these two medicines may cause muscle weakness, unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, dark-colored urine, fever or flu symptoms. So, please consult a doctor before using it with other medicines.

Is this medicine safe to use during pregnancy?

No, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the fetus. However, please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy, or breastfeeding before taking it.

Does Itraconazole Capsules cause hearing loss?

It may cause temporary or permanent hearing loss in some people. It is not necessary for everyone taking these capsules to experience this adverse effect. However, if you notice any changes in hearing, stop taking it and consult a doctor immediately.

Can I stop taking it on my own?

You are not recommended to stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor as it may cause recurring infections. Therefore, take it for as long as your doctor has prescribed it.