ITRACONAZOLE

Overview:

Itraconazole is an antifungal medication to treat multiple fungal parasites in the body. It acts by arresting the growth of fungi and is regularly used in the treatment of infections that affect the skin, nails, mouth, throat and lungs. This drug has especially potent effects against yeast like Candida and molds like Aspergillus. Ranging in types in capsules, tablets, and oral solutions, itraconazole has to be used exactly as a provider prescribes.

Classification:Triazole derivative

Uses:

Itraconazole is a drug used in treating various fungus diseases, both skin ones (e.g. ringworm) as well as nail ones (e.g. nail infection like onychomycosis, oral thrush fungal infection and systemic fungal infection like aspergillosis, histoplasmosis and blastomycosis). It is used by inhibiting the growth of the fungus thus helping the body to clear the infection. The drug is specifically used when the infections are either severe or resistant to other antifungal drugs.

How it works:

Itraconazole acts by inhibiting an enzyme that is essential in the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential constituent of fungal cell membrane called lanosterol 14 alpha-demethylase. Lack of ergosterol makes the fungal cell membrane weak and permeable which leads to death of the fungus. This mechanism stops the growth as well as spreading of the fungal infection throughout the body.

Dosage:As prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects:
Nausea
Stomach pain
Vomiting
Dizziness
Diarrhea

Precaution:

Before using itraconazole, be sure to inform your doctor about the occurrence of liver, heart, or kidney diseases in the past. It is important not to combine this medication with other drugs, especially those provided to treat heart or cholesterol disease since there is an increased safety risk. Avoid drinking when on itraconazole since this increases the risk of liver toxicity. Pregnant women and those nursing should never use it unless really necessary and it has been prescribed by the physician. It should also be administered with food and followed carefully as recommended.

Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.