Itraconazole is a prescription antifungal medication used to treat serious fungal and yeast infections. It is in a class of antifungals called triazoles, which work by blocking the growth and spread of fungi. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, and dizziness.

Itraconazole is currently available under the brand names Sporanox and Onmel. It comes in the form of an oral tablet, capsule and oral solution.

Itraconazole comes in several forms, each of which can treat specific fungal and yeast infections:

• Itraconazole oral solution: Used to treat oropharyngeal or esophageal candidiasis (thrush, oral thrush), which are yeast infections of the mouth or esophagus that are common in people living with HIV/AIDS.

• Itraconazole capsules: Used to treat fungal infections including aspergillosis (fungal infection in the lungs which can spread throughout the body), histoplasmosis (Darling’s disease), and blastomycosis (Gilchrist’s disease). Sporanox capsules are also used to treat onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails that can cause discoloration, thickening, and separation from the nail bed.

• Itraconazole tablets: Used to treat onychomycosis of the toenails. This medicine works by killing the fungus or yeast and preventing its growth.

Itraconazole is in a class of antifungals called triazoles, which work by slowing the growth of fungi that cause infection. Itraconazole is effective because it prevents fungal cells from making ergosterol, a compound that fungi cell membranes need to survive.

Itraconazole has a black box warning from the Food and Drug Administration, which alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. Be sure to talk to your doctor about how itraconazole works and its risks.

The most common side effects of itraconazole include:

• Diarrhea
  
• Constipation
  
• Gas or bloating
  
• Heartburn
  
• Unpleasant taste
  
• Sore or bleeding gums
  
• Headache
  
• Dizziness
  
• Sweating
  
• Muscle pain or weakness
  
• Joint pain
  
• Decreased sexual desire or ability
  
• Nervousness
  
• Depression
  
• Runny nose and other cold symptoms
  
• Fever
  
• Hair loss
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects, although these are among the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience blurred vision or double vision, ringing in the ears, or an inability to control urination or urinating more than usual while taking itraconazole.

Itraconazole has a black box warning from the Food and Drug Administration, which alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. Studies show that itraconazole can cause congestive heart failure or can worsen existing congestive heart failure. If you notice shortness of breath; coughing up white or pink phlegm; weakness; excessive tiredness; fast heartbeat; swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs; waking up at night, or sudden weight gain, call your doctor immediately as they may be signs of heart failure.

Using itraconazole with contraindicated medications can be deadly. Be sure to inform the prescribing doctor or health care professional about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with itraconazole. Interaction of itraconazole with other forms of medication and substances can cause heart failure, liver failure, seizures, and other serious and potentially deadly side effects.

Talk to your doctor before consuming grapefruit juice while taking itraconazole, as the juice can prevent certain enzymes from breaking down the itraconazole, leading to high amounts of the drug in your system.

Consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant before taking itraconazole, as cases of congenital abnormalities have been reported. Only take itraconazole if you are sure that you are not pregnant and be sure to use effective birth control methods.

Itraconazole comes in the form of an oral tablet, capsule and oral solution. You should take the medication exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of itraconazole without consulting with your provider first. If you begin to experience adverse side effects while taking this medication, like those listed above, inform your provider right away.

Itraconazole should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not skip doses or stop taking itraconazole, and follow your doctor’s instructions closely.

No, itraconazole is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed healthcare provider.

Looking for a prescription? Good news! Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not itraconazole is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for itraconazole to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.