Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

Itraconazole capsules and tablets should be taken with a full meal. The oral liquid is best taken on an empty stomach.

Take the tablets at the same time each day.

Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you have thrush in the mouth or throat, place 10 milliliters (mL) of the liquid in your mouth, swish for several seconds, then swallow. Repeat these steps if your total dose is more than 10 mL.

If you are using antacids (eg, Maalox®, Mylanta®, Pepcid® Complete, Rolaids®, or Tums®) or other stomach medicine (eg, H2 blocker, proton pump inhibitor), take them at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after using itraconazole. You may also take itraconazole with an acidic beverage (eg, non-diet cola) if you are taking it with an antacid.

Use only the brand and the dosage form of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands and dosage forms may not work the same way.

Sporanox® oral liquid works differently than itraconazole Sporanox® capsules, even at the same dose (number of milligrams). Do not switch from the capsules to the oral liquid unless your doctor tells you to.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (capsules):
    • For aspergillosis:
      • Adults:
        • Sporanox®—200 to 400 milligrams (mg) per day.
        • Tolsura™—130 mg (two capsules) once or 2 times a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For blastomycosis or histoplasmosis:
      • Adults:
        • Sporanox®—200 milligrams (mg) (two capsules) once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 400 mg per day.
        • Tolsura™—130 mg (two capsules) once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 260 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For onychomycosis of the fingernails:
      • Adults—200 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day for 1 week, followed by a no treatment period of 3 weeks, then 200 mg 2 times a day for 1 week.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For onychomycosis of the toenails:
      • Adults—200 milligrams (mg) once a day for 12 weeks in a row.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (liquid):
    • For esophageal candidiasis:
      • Adults—100 milligrams (mg) or 10 milliliters (mL) once a day for a minimum of 3 weeks. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oropharyngeal candidiasis:
      • Adults—200 milligrams (mg) or 20 milliliters (mL) once a day for 1 to 2 weeks.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For onychomycosis of the toenails:
      • Adults—200 milligrams (mg) once a day for 12 weeks in a row.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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