Itraconazole capsule 200mg Uses
Introduction:
Itraconazole is an azole antifungal category drug that is used for various types of fungal infections. Itraconazole works by stopping the growth of fungi. It destroys the fungi cell membrane which helps to prevent the growth of fungi. It comes under several brands like the Itco-200 capsule. It is a high-quality product manufactured by A WHO-GMP-certified company to deliver the best product efficacy.
It is a very effective medicine to treat several skin infections. However, it is strictly recommended that you should not take this medicine without the guidance of a trained physician.
Table of Contents
Understanding Itraconazole as medicine
History and Development of Itraconazole:
Itraconazole was developed and patented in 1978 in the United States. In 1992, it was approved by FDA for medical use under the brand name SPORANOX for Janssen Pharms, a 100 mg capsule, an oral drug.
Itraconazole is an azole category antifungal medicine. It inhibits the production of ergosterol which is responsible for the growth of fungi. Ergosterol is found in the membrane cells of fungi. Itraconazole blocks the supply of enzymes which is necessary for making ergosterol, later on, the cell membranes become leaky and then die.
Itraconazole is available in oral tablets and suspension. It is also available in external dosage forms ointment and lotions. Some top products of Itraconazole are Sporanox, Candiforce, Itco-200, Itralase, and Candipraz.
Medical Uses of Itraconazole Capsules 200 mg
Itraconazole has several uses in fungal infections like mouth, throat, vagina, fingernails, and toenails. specific uses are as listed below:
Itraconazole capsule (Itco-200) is used to treat fungal infections caused by Trichophyton spp., Microsporum spp., and Epidermophyton floccosum. The infections could be ringworm infection, infection of the feet, or infection in the groin and buttocks. Itco-200mg Capsules (Itraconazole) also treat persistent infection of fingernails and toenails, persistent candida (yeast) infections of the vagina, or candida (yeast) infections of the mouth or throat in patients with lower resistance to disease. Itco-200mg Capsules are also used in the treatment of cryptococcal infection and infections caused by Histoplasma, aspergillus, and Blastomyces.
Itraconazole in Candidiasis: Itraconazole is an antifungal drug that is also used to treat candidiasis. The main cause of candidiasis is Candida albicans.The usual dose for Candidiasis is 200mg once or 100 mg twice a day.
Dosage and Administration of Itraconazole:
The recommended dose of Itraconazole capsule 200 mg is one capsule a day. It should not be used without the prescription of a medical practitioner. Do not start or stop the dose of Itraconazole capsules.
Initial Dose of Itraconazole:
The initial dose of Itraconazole is 100 mg per day, let your doctor set the dose for you, do not take this medicine as self-medication.
Itraconazole capsule 200mg dose:
Dose: Adults 200 mg BD a day for 1 week followed by a no-treatment period of 3 weeks, then 200 mg 2 times a day for 1 week. The doctor must be consulted in children’s cases. Avoid antacids with Itraconazole capsules they reduce the absorption of this drug.
Maintainence dose of Itraconazole:
The maintenance dose of Itraconazole can vary as per the disease in which it is used. The maintenance dose for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is 100 mg daily, while the maintenance dose for onychomycosis (fungal infection of the nails) is 200 mg daily.
Duration of Treatment:
The duration of treatment with Itraconazole can vary from 3 days to two weeks depending upon the type of fungal infection, and severity of infection. Beyond that, your doctor can make the right decision on how much long therapy of itraconazole is needed on you.Â
DRUG INTERACTIONS OF ITRACONAZOLE :
Itco-200 Itraconazole capsules interact with many medications.
Other medications can affect the removal of itraconazole from the body, which may affect how itraconazole works. Examples include efavirenz, isoniazid, nevirapine, rifamycins (such as rifabutin), and certain drugs used to treat seizures (such as phenytoin), among others.
Itraconazole, like cyclosporine, quinidine, and clarithromycin, can inhibit P-glycoprotein, causing drug interactions by reducing elimination and increasing absorption of organic cation drugs. With conventional itraconazole preparations, serum levels can vary greatly between patients, often resulting in serum concentrations lower than the therapeutic index. It has therefore been conventionally advised that patients take itraconazole after a fatty meal rather than prior to eating.
Potential Side Effects of Itraconazole
Common side effects of Itraconazole:
Common side effects of the Itraconazole capsule are such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, rash, itching, dry mouth, and increased liver enzymes.
Itco-200 capsule Itraconazole is a relatively well-tolerated drug (although not as well tolerated as fluconazole or voriconazole) and the range of adverse effects it produces is similar to the other azole antifungals.
Serious Side Effects of Itraconazole:
Itraconazole is a medicine that requires a high level of supervision by a healthcare professional or a doctor. Some serious side effects may in less than 4% of people.
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Heart problems
- Seizures
- Allergic reactions
- Hair loss
- Changes in menstrual periods
Safety Precautions and Considerations:
Itraconazole is a sensitive drug that should be used under professional supervision with proper precautions. Some points need to be considered:
1. Informing Your Healthcare Provider: Inform your doctor or healthcare provider about what drugs you are taking currently. It will allow the doctor to decide which drug may interact with itraconazole.
2. Medical Conditions to Discuss with Your Doctor: Tell your doctor about your current health status. Tell him if you have kidney-related problems. You should tell your doctor if you are diabetic, cardiac issues, or any blood pressure medications you are taking currently.
Drug Interactions and Contraindications:
Itraconazole may have interactions with the following drugs:
- Amphotericin B
- Antacids
- Benzodiazepines
- Buspirone
- Busulfan
- Calcium channel-blocking agents
- Ciprofloxacin
- Cisapride
- Colchicine
- Corticosteroids
- Cyclophosphamide
- Cyclosporine
- Digoxin
- Disopyramide
- Doxorubicin
- Ergot alkaloids
- Fentanyl/alfentanil
- H 2 blockers
- Ivermectin
- Macrolide antibiotics
- Methadone
- Meloxicam
- Midazolam
- Phenobarbital/phenytoin
- Proton-pump inhibitors
- Quinidine
- Rifampin
- Sildenafil
- Statins
- Sulfonylurea antidiabetic agents
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Vincristine
Itraconazole’s contradiction
Itraconazole can be contradicted in the following health conditions:
- Heart failure or a history of heart failure
- Liver failure or disease
- Pregnancy
- Nursing
- Hypersensitivity to itraconazole or other azole antifungals
Monitoring and Follow-up:
Importance of Regular Check-ups: During the Itraconazole therapy, you should get regular health checkups to prevent any side effects due to this medicine.
Monitoring Liver Function: Itraconazole can cause some liver function ailments interacting with medicine or food. Therefore, it is good to monitor your liver function through regular checkups. Take liver tonics regularly to avoid side effects.
Monitoring Heart Function: This medication is found to contradict heart diseases, to prevent any serious heart-related incident consult your doctor regularly and perform relevant tests.
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Brand Name: Itco-200 Capsule
Generic Name: Itraconazole capsule 200 mg
Composition:
Each Hard Gelatin Capsules Contains:
Itraconazole 200 mg
Product’s Life: 2 Years
Packing: 10*1*4 Blister
MRP:– 164 PER 4 CAPSULES
Also Available:
LOBULAR+ CREAM: (Itraconazole +Ofloxacin+Ornidazole+Clobetasole Cream)
Fonvital Plus: Ginseng with Multivitamins, Minerals & Antioxidants capsules
Mecome-Alpha: Methylcobalamin alpha-lipoic acid pyridoxine Hydrochloride, folic acid, and Thiamine Mononitrate
DOWN-A SUSPENSION: Aceclofenac and Paracetamol suspension
KUFTIPS SYRUP: An Ayurvedic cough syrup
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Can I Take Itraconazole with Other Medications?
ANS: Yes, you can take Itraconazole with other medications but after consultation with the doctor, tell him what medicine you want to take along with Itraconazole, and any other disease you had in history.
Q. How Long Does It Take for Itraconazole to Work?
ANS: It is not a fixed time frame how does the long time Itraconazole take to cure a disease. It depends on the type of fungal infection you are suffering from and the severity of the disease. It may take 3 to 14 days to give results.
Q. Are There Any Natural Alternatives to Itraconazole?
ANS: Itraconazole is an antifungal medicine, it is used in advanced levels of infections, but there are no natural alternatives available in the public domain that can provide similar results in those conditions. You can ask your doctor for possible natural alternatives if he can suggest them.
Q. Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Itraconazole?
ANS: Alcohol can harm your liver while taking Itraconazole. It is always advised by doctors not to take alcohol during the use of Itraconazole. You can consult your doctor for better advice on dose or time adjustment with Itraconazole.
References:
- Drugs@FDA: FDA-Approved Drugs, New Drug Application (NDA): 020083, Company: JANSSEN PHARMS [FDA(.gov)]
- Itraconazole (Sporanox®) for Vulvovaginal Candidiasis [Skin Therapy Letter]
- Itraconazole Side Effects [Drugs(dot)com]
- Itraconazole Interactions [Drugs(dot)com]
Disclaimer:
Disclaimer: All the information and articles available on this site are for educational purposes only. The information given here should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or disease without expert advice. The advice of a qualified medical practitioner should always be sought for medical examination and treatment.
Reviewed by:-
Dr. Yogesh Chaudhary (B. Pharma)
Senior Pharmacist at S.N. Medical College, Agra-(UP)
