Sporanox Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Sporanox Capsule contains itraconazole, an azole antifungal that treats fungal infections affecting the lungs, mouth, throat, toenails, and fingernails in adults. It works by slowing the growth of fungi responsible for infection. The capsule should be taken with food and swallowed whole, and treatment should continue for the full prescribed length of time.

What is Sporanox Capsule

Sporanox is an antifungal medication that fights infections caused by fungus. It is used to treat infections in adults caused by fungus, which can invade parts of the body including the lungs, mouth or throat, toenails, or fingernails. The generic name is itraconazole, and it belongs to the azole antifungal drug class.

Sporanox Capsule uses

• Fungal infections of the lungs, mouth or throat, toenails, or fingernails
• Yeast infections of the mouth and throat or of the esophagus
• Vaginal infections, skin (dermatological) infections, and onychomycosis (nail fungus)

Benefits of Sporanox Capsule

• Fights fungal infections that can affect the lungs, mouth, throat, and nails
• Treats yeast infections of the mouth, throat, or esophagus

How Sporanox Capsule works

Itraconazole belongs to a group of antifungals called triazoles. It works by slowing the growth of the fungi that cause infection.

Sporanox Capsule dosage

Take the capsule exactly as prescribed and follow all directions on your prescription label. Take the Sporanox capsule with food. Swallow the capsule whole; do not crush, chew, break, or open it. Do not substitute capsules for the oral solution or vice versa unless told to do so by your doctor, since they are used differently.

If you also take a stomach acid reducer, take Sporanox with an acidic drink such as non-diet cola. Avoid taking antacids within 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking Sporanox, since some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb the medicine.

Use this medicine for the full length of time prescribed, even if your symptoms improve quickly. Do not share this medicine with another person. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Available forms and strengths

• Capsule
• Oral solution (liquid)

Side effects of Sporanox Capsule

Common

• Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness
• Increased blood pressure
• Rash, itching
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation
• Swelling
• Abnormal liver function or blood tests
• Fever, muscle or joint pain
• Unusual or unpleasant taste in mouth
• Hair loss
• Impotence, erection problems
• Changes in menstrual periods
• Blurry vision

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, severe skin rash, tingling in arms or legs, difficult breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Signs of congestive heart failure: feeling tired or short of breath, cough with mucus, fast heartbeats, swelling, rapid weight gain, sleep problems
• Confusion, light-headed feeling like you might pass out
• Blurred vision, double vision, ringing in ears, hearing problems or hearing loss
• Fast heartbeats
• Numbness or tingly feeling, loss of bladder control
• Little or no urinating, pain or burning when you urinate
• Low potassium level symptoms: leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in chest, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness
• Pancreatitis: severe upper stomach pain spreading to back, nausea and vomiting
• Liver problems: nausea, upper stomach pain, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
• Pain, tingling, or numbness in hands or feet

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take Sporanox if you have ever had heart failure.
• Life-threatening side effects may occur if you take itraconazole with certain other drugs. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines.
• Itraconazole has been shown to have a negative effect on heart function and has been linked to reports of congestive heart failure.
• Use of capsules in children is not recommended unless the potential benefit is judged to outweigh the risks.
• Caution should be used in people with hypersensitivity to other azole antifungal medicines, since there is limited information about cross-reactivity.
• Itraconazole may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while using this medicine and for at least 2 months after your last dose.
• It may not be safe to breastfeed while using itraconazole; it can pass into breast milk and may affect the nursing baby.
• If you have kidney disease, you should not take Sporanox with certain other medicines such as colchicine, fesoterodine, solifenacin, or telithromycin. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
• If you have liver disease, you should not take Sporanox with certain other medicines such as colchicine, fesoterodine, solifenacin, or telithromycin. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
• This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how it affects you.

• Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
• Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze.
• Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
• Take the medication to a medication take-back program if possible, or follow label/package instructions for disposal.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help for signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, severe skin rash, tingling in your arms or legs, difficult breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you notice signs of congestive heart failure, such as feeling tired or short of breath, cough with mucus, fast heartbeats, swelling, rapid weight gain, or sleep problems.
• If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact a poison control center or emergency room right away.

Alternatives

• Fluconazole
• Terbinafine
• Voriconazole
• Posaconazole
• Isavuconazole
• Griseofulvin