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Itraconazole capsules are used to treat fungal infections that begin in the lungsand can spread through the body. Itraconazole capsules are also used to treat fungal infections of the fingernails and/or toenails. Itraconazole oral solution is used to treat yeast infections of the mouth and throat and suspected fungal infections in patients with fever and certain other signs of infection.Itraconazole is in a class of antifungals called triazoles. It works by slowing the growth of fungi that cause infection.
Itraconazole comes as a capsule and asolution (liquid) to take by mouth. Itraconazole capsules are usually taken with a full meal one to three times a day for at least 3 months. When Itraconazole capsules are used to treat fungal infections of the fingernails, they are usually taken twice a day for one week, not taken at all for three weeks, and then taken twice a day for an additional week. Itraconazole solution is usually taken on an empty stomach once or twice a day for 1 to 4 weeks or longer. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Itraconazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may tell you to take Itraconazole capsules with a cola soft drink if you have certain medical conditions or are taking any of the following medications: cimetidine (Tagamet); famotidine (Pepcid); nizatadine (Axid); proton-pump inhibitors such as esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), and rabeprazole (AcipHex); or ranitidine (Zantac) Follow these directions carefully. To take Itraconazole oral solution for fungal infections of the mouth or throat, , swish 10 mL (about 2 teaspoons) of the solution in your mouth for a few seconds and swallow. Repeat if necessary until you have taken your entire dose. Itraconazole capsules and oral solution are absorbed into the body in different ways and work to treat different conditions. Do not substitute the capsules for the liquid or the liquid for the capsules. Be sure that your pharmacist gives you the form of Itraconazole that your doctor prescribed. Your doctor may tell you to take higher doses of Itraconazole or to take Itraconazole more often at the beginning of your treatment. Follow these directions carefully. If you are taking Itraconazole to treat a nail infection, your nails will probably not look healthier until new nails grow. It can take up to 6 months to grow a new fingernail and up to 12 months to grow a new toenail, so you should not expect to see improvement during your treatment or for several months afterward. Continue to take Itraconazole even if you do not see any improvement. Continue to take Itraconazole until your doctor tells you to stop even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Itraconazole without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking Itraconazole too soon, your infection may come back after a short time. |