Indications  

Sporanox is a prescription medicine used to treat fungal infections in the lungs that have the potential to spread throughout the body of immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised patients. 

Sporanox is also indicated for the treatment of fungal infections affecting fingernails and toenails. 

Classified as an azole antifungal agent, Sporanox works by inhibiting the growth of infection-causing fungi. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Sporanox and with every prescription refill, carefully review its medication guide and patient information leaflet. Seek the guidance of your doctor or pharmacist if you have any inquiries. 

The dosage and length of treatment with Sporanox may vary per individual based on their medical condition and response to the treatment. 

Typically, this medication is taken once or twice a day as prescribed by the doctor. It should be taken with a full meal to ensure maximum absorption, and the capsules must be swallowed whole. 

Follow your doctor’s instructions precisely when taking this medication. In some instances, taking Sporanox in cycles, such as twice daily for one week, followed by a three-week break, may be necessary. 

To maximize effectiveness, Sporanox should be taken at regular intervals around the same times daily. If you are following a cyclical dosage regimen, marking your calendar as a reminder may be helpful. 

Complete the full prescribed course of this medication, even if symptoms subside within a few days. Premature discontinuation may lead to a resurgence of the infection. 

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or deteriorate. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the potential adverse effects of Sporanox. Inform your physician promptly if any of them persist or worsen. 

Common Side Effects 

• Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue 
• Elevated blood pressure 
• Skin rash, itching 
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation 
• Swelling 
• Abnormal liver function or blood test results 
• Fever, muscle or joint pain 
• Unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth 
• Hair loss 
• Impotence, erectile problems 
• Alterations in menstrual periods 

Serious Side Effects 

• Disorientation, sensation of light-headedness (with potential fainting) 
• Blurry vision, dual vision, ringing in ears, auditory issues 
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Numbness or tingling, loss of bladder control 
• Reduced or absent urination, painful or burning urination 
• Low potassium levels: 
  • Leg cramps 
  • Constipation 
  • Irregular heart rhythms 
  • Chest flutters 
  • Heightened thirst or urination 
  • Muscle weakness or lethargy 
• Pancreatitis: 
  • Intense upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, accompanied by nausea and vomiting 
• Hepatic issues: 
  • Nausea 
  • Upper abdominal discomfort 
  • Fatigue 
  • Appetite loss 
  • Dark urine 
  • Pale stools 
  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) 

Call your doctor promptly if any of the above-listed serious side effects are experienced. 

Cease Sporanox intake and promptly contact your physician if you exhibit congestive heart failure symptoms, including: 

• Fatigue 
• Breathlessness 
• Mucus-producing cough 
• Rapid heart rate 
• Edema 
• Sudden weight increase 
• Sleep disturbances 

Allergic Reactions 

Although rare, a severe allergic reaction to Sporanox may occur. Seek prompt medical help in case of any signs of an allergic reaction, such as: 

• Hives 
• Extensive skin rash 
• Tingling in arms or legs 
• Labored breathing 
• Facial, lip, tongue, or throat swelling 

Not all possible side effects of Sporanox are included in this list. Inform your doctor if any unlisted effects occur. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Sporanox, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to: 

• Itraconazole  
• Other azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole) 
• Other medicines 

Seek further guidance from your pharmacist about Sporanox, as it may contain inactive ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions or other complications. 

To ensure Sporanox is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, especially if you have a history of: 

• Liver disease 
• Kidney disease 
• Heart condition (e.g., heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart valve ailment) 
• Lung disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD) 
• Reduced or absent stomach acid (achlorhydria) 

Sporanox interacts with many medications. To minimize the risk of such drug interactions, inform your healthcare providers about all your medicines, including prescription/non-prescription, herbal products, vitamins, and supplements. Do not initiate, discontinue or modify any medication without consulting your doctor.  

Other medications may impact the elimination of Sporanox, influencing its effectiveness. 

Such medicines include: 

• Efavirenz 
• Isoniazid 
• Nevirapine 
• Rifamycins (like rifabutin) 
• Specific anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin) 

Refrain from taking antacids within an hour prior to or two hours following the intake of Sporanox, as this can impede the proper absorption of itraconazole by your body. 

When concurrently using a stomach acid reducer (e.g., Tagamet, Pepcid, Axid, Zantac, among others), ensure an acidic beverage like non-diet cola accompanies Sporanox intake. 

Sporanox might induce dizziness or lead to blurred or dual vision. Refrain from driving or operating machinery until you comprehend the impact of this medication on you. 

Refrain from conceiving while taking Sporanox and for a duration of 2 months following the final dosage, as it may pose risks to the development of an unborn child. 

Women of childbearing age should begin taking Sporanox 2 to 3 days after their menstrual periods start, ensuring that they are not pregnant. Using reliable forms of birth control while taking Sporanox and for 2 months after completing treatment is recommended. 

Itraconazole has the potential to transfer to breast milk and potentially impact the nursing infant. Inform your healthcare provider if you are currently breastfeeding.