Itraconazole – use, side effects

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What is Itraconazole, what is the composition of this drug? What should the correct dosage look like and are there any contraindications to its use? Itraconazole is a prescription-only medicine in capsule form. The main use of the drug is in infections resulting from fungal infections. Itraconazole is a long-acting agent.

Itraconazole is a prescription drug available in capsule form. Itraconazole is an agent that has antifungal use. The agent is also assigned to patients struggling with infections caused by various types of yeast, the spectrum of the drug’s action is very wide. What is the correct dosage of the drug and can all patients take the drug?

Itraconazole – application

Itraconazole in its composition has an active substance that weakens the cell walls of not only fungi, but also yeasts, causing them to die, but at the same time Itraconazole is safe for human cells. It is a drug that kills fungi and yeasts from within. The preparation is for oral use only, after ingestion the drug is absorbed through the digestive tract through which it enters the infected cells. What are the main indications for the use of the drug? Itraconazole is recommended for:

  1. onychomycosis
  2. athlete’s foot
  3. vaginal mycosis
  4. candidiasis
  5. wax mycosis
  6. tinea versicolor
  7. other skin infections caused by yeasts or fungi

It is a long-acting agent, therefore the chance of eliminating pathological yeasts and fungi increases. Itraconazole should be swallowed whole, without chewing or splitting, the dose should also be washed down with more water. If the patient has problems swallowing the capsule, it can be opened and the contents poured out and mixed with the right amount of water, cheese or fruit mousse. The maximum concentration in the blood is reached after 3 hours, the best absorption occurs when the preparation is taken immediately after a meal.

The dosage of the drug and its frequency are determined by the attending physician. The treatment should be completed even in the event that the symptoms of the disease begin to disappear earlier. Duration of treatment as well as dosage should be determined by the attending physician. The specialist should adjust the dose to the level of the patient’s symptoms. The duration of taking Itraconazole may vary from a few days, and in more severe conditions, up to several months. The optimal dosage of the preparation, unless the doctor tells you otherwise, is in the case of adults:

  1. once or twice a day, 1 to 2 capsules of 100 mg

The drug in capsules should not be used in children, the doctor may, if necessary, prescribe a prescription for Itraconazole in the form of an oral syrup, of course, in a dose appropriate not only to the symptoms, but also to age.

Itraconazole – side effects

The drug can not be used in patients with allergies or hypersensitivity to any component of the drug. Itraconazole, like other agents, may cause side effects:

  1. dizziness
  2. headache
  3. nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea or other gastrointestinal complaints
  4. rash, itching caused by an allergic reaction to the ingredients of the preparation

In the case of pregnant or breastfeeding women, consultation with the attending physician is necessary. Taking the drug does not affect driving vehicles or operating larger machines, but it should be remembered that dizziness may occur, so be especially careful.

Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.

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