Itraconazole
Itraconazole Information

About Itraconazole

Itraconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent for oral treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis, pityriasis versicolor and dermatophytoses.itraconazole is a substituted triazole derivetive.itraconazoleactive against many Candida species, endemic mycoses and dermatophytes. Itraconazole is the most potent of available azoles, but effectiveness can be limited by reduced bioavailabilty. The requirement for intravenous administration and the toxicity of the older antifungal agents created a need for antifungal agents with a better therapeutic profile. The relatively non-toxic oral azole medications represent the first major advance in this direction. Since their introduction in the 1980s, these medications have played an increasingly important role in the systemic therapy of fungal disease.

Indications

Itraconazole is primarily indicated in conditions like Advanced breast or prostate cancer, Antifungal prophylaxis, Candidiasis, Cryptcoccal meningitis, Dermatophytic infections, Histoplasmosis, Oculomycoses, Onychomycoses, Oral candidiasis, Oropharangeal candidiasis, Orophyrangeal candidiasis, Pityriasis versicolor, Sporotrichosis, Superficial candidiasis, Systemic mycoses, Tinea pedis, Tinae manuum, To reduce intestinal secretions and vomiting, To reduce intestinal secretions and vomiting (palliative care), and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Cushing"s syndrome due to malignant disease, Fungal keratitis, Leishmaniasis, Vulvo-vaginal candidosis.

Contraindication

Itraconazole is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Itraconazole, which give rise to further complications include Hypotension, Hepatitis, Hypotension.Itraconazole produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Dysrhythrics. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Itraconazole therapy.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Itraconazole are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Vertigo, Headache, Fatigue, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Pruritus, Hallucination, Somnolence, Hair loss, Edema, Photophobia, Vasculitis, dizziness.

Warnings

Itraconazole should be used with caution in patients with liver disease, heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) and of any drug allergies. It should be used with caution while engaging in activities requiring alertness because this medication causes dizziness or drowsiness. It should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy or lactation. Safe use of itraconazole in the children under the age 16 has not been established. The drug should be used with caution in the patients with azole hypersensitivity. Patients who develop abnormal liver function tests during itraconazole therapy should be monitored and therapy discontinued if symptoms of the liver disease develop. Should not be administered to treat onchonycosis in pateints with ventricular dysfurution.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, patients suffering from Liver Malfunction, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.