Sporanox (Itraconazole) - CapsuleManufactured by Janssen Pharmaceutical. Sporanox is used to treat certain types of fungal infections, both internally (inside the body) and externally (skin and nails). It works by preventing the fungus from growing. If you use the PulsePak, you will take SPORANOX for 1 week and then take no SPORANOX for the next 3 weeks before repeating the 1-week treatment. This is called "pulse dosing." The SPORANOX PulsePak contains enough medicine for one "pulse" (1 week of treatment). The SPORANOX PulsePak comes with special instructions. It contains 7 pouches - one for each day of treatment. Inside each pouch is a card containing 4 capsules. Looking at the back of the card, fold it back along the dashed line and peel away the backing so that you can remove 2 capsules. Why is Sporanox prescribed? Sporanox capsules are used to treat four types of serious fungal infection: blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, aspergillosis, and onychomycosis. Blastomycosis can affect the lungs, bones, and skin. Histoplasmosis can affect the lungs, heart, and blood. Aspergillosis can affect the lungs, kidneys, and other organs. Onychomycosis affects the nails. Sporanox is also used against fungal infections in people with weak immune systems, such as AIDS patients. Sporanox oral solution is used to treat candidiasis (fungal infection) of the mouth, throat, and gullet (esophagus), and for other fungal infections in people with weakened immunity and fever. How should you take Sporanox? Take Sporanox exactly as prescribed. To make sure the capsules are properly absorbed, you should take them after a full meal; the oral solution should be taken without food. A cola drink can help some people absorb the capsules better. Continue taking Sporanox until all the medication is gone. Do not take antacids within 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking Sporanox. Swish the oral solution, 10 milliliters at a time, in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing it. Mouth and throat candidiasis should clear up in several days. The oral solution and capsules cannot be used interchangeably. --If you miss a dose...Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never try to ``catch up'' by doubling the dose. --Storage instructions... Store Sporanox at room temperature. Protect the capsules from light and moisture. Do not freeze the oral solution. What Sporanox side effects may occur? Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Sporanox. More common Sporanox side effects may include:
Anxiety, bursitis, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, gas, headache, high blood pressure, indigestion, injury, muscle pain, nasal and sinus inflammation, nausea, pain, rash, respiratory infection, swelling due to water retention, urinary infection, vomiting Less common Sporanox side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, abnormal dreams, allergic reaction, decreased sexual drive, dizziness, extreme sleepiness, feeling of general discomfort, gum inflammation, hives, increased appetite, inflamed stomach and intestines, itching, loss of appetite, reproductive disorders such as male impotence, sleepiness, sore throat, tremor, weakness Rare Sporanox side effects may include:
Blood abnormalities, congestive heart failure, constipation, depression, fluid in the lungs, hair loss, hepatitis, high triglyceride levels, liver failure, male breast development, male breast pain, menstrual disorders, nerve disorders, ringing in the ears, severe allergic reaction, skin peeling, sleeplessness Additional Sporanox side effects that may be seen with the oral solution are:
Back pain, blood in the urine, breathing difficulty, chest pain, cough, dehydration, difficulty swallowing, hemorrhoids, hot flushes, impaired speech, inflamed mouth, insomnia, pneumonia, shivering, sweating, vision problems, weight loss People being treated for onychomycosis may experience stomach and intestinal disorders or rash, or, less commonly, headache, light-headedness upon standing up, low blood pressure, muscle pain, a sick feeling, or vertigo. Sporanox Overdosage Any drug taken in excess can have dangerous consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical treatment immediately |
