Sporanox PulsePak

Generic Name: itraconazole (IT ra KON a zole)

Brand Names: Sporanox, Sporanox PulsePak

What is Sporanox PulsePak (itraconazole)?

Itraconazole is an antifungal medication.

Itraconazole is used to treat infections caused by fungus, which can invade any part of the body including the lungs, mouth or throat, toenails, or fingernails.

Itraconazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Sporanox PulsePak (itraconazole)?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to itraconazole or similar medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan) or ketoconazole (Extina, Ketozole, Nizoral, Xolegal), if you have ever had congestive heart failure, or if you are pregnant or may become pregnant during treatment. There are many other drugs that can cause serious or life threatening medical problems if you take them together with itraconazole. This includes cisapride (Propulsid), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), dofetilide (Tikosyn), ergonovine (Ergotrate), ergotamine (Ergomar), lovastatin (Advicor, Altocor, Altoprev, Mevacor), methylergonovine (Methergine), midazolam (Versed), nisoldipine (Sular), pimozide (Orap), quinidine (Quin-G), simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin), and triazolam (Halcion).

Before taking itraconazole, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, a history of stroke, a heart rhythm disorder, kidney or liver disease, a breathing disorder, cystic fibrosis, or a history of "Long QT syndrome."

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Itraconazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Sporanox PulsePak (itraconazole)?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to itraconazole or similar medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan) or ketoconazole (Extina, Ketozole, Nizoral, Xolegal), if you have ever had congestive heart failure, or if you are pregnant or may become pregnant during treatment. There are many other drugs that can cause serious or life threatening medical problems if you take them together with itraconazole. The following drugs should not be used while you are taking itraconazole:

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  cisapride (Propulsid);

  
  


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  dofetilide (Tikosyn);

  
  


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  lovastatin (Advicor, Altocor, Altoprev, Mevacor) or simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin);

  
  


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  midazolam (Versed) or triazolam (Halcion);

  
  


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  nisoldipine (Sular);

  
  


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  pimozide (Orap);

  
  


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  quinidine (Quin-G); and

  
  


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  ergot medicines such as dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), ergonovine (Ergotrate), ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot, Ercaf, Migergot), or methylergonovine (Methergine).

  
  

To make sure you can safely take itraconazole, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

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  heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, circulation problems, or a history of stroke;

  
  


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  chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other breathing disorder;

  
  


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  kidney disease;

  
  


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  liver disease;

  
  


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  cystic fibrosis; or

  
  


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  a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

  
  

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether itraconazole will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Itraconazole passes into breast milk and can harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Sporanox PulsePak (itraconazole)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

The itraconazole tablet should be taken after a full meal. Take itraconazole oral solution (liquid) on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Swish the liquid in your mouth for several seconds before swallowing it.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Itraconazole capsules should not be used in place of itraconazole oral solution (liquid) if that is what your doctor has prescribed. Make sure you have received the correct type of this medication at the pharmacy and ask the pharmacist if you have any questions. Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Itraconazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your liver function will need to be checked with frequent blood tests. Visit your doctor regularly.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Sporanox PulsePak (itraconazole)?

Avoid taking antacids or stomach acid reducers (Tagamet, Pepcid, Axid, Zantac, and others) within 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take itraconazole. These medications can make it harder for your body to absorb itraconazole.

Sporanox PulsePak (itraconazole) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  fever;

  
  


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  feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;

  
  


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  swelling, rapid weight gain;

  
  


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  problems with hearing;

  
  


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  numbness or tingly feeling;

  
  


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  pain or burning when you urinate;

  
  


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  nausea, pain in your upper stomach, itching, loss of appetite, weakness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

  
  


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  severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  diarrhea, constipation, mild stomach pain;

  
  


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  mild itching or skin rash;

  
  


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  headache, dizziness; or

  
  


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  runny nose or other cold symptoms.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Sporanox PulsePak (itraconazole)?

Many drugs can interact with itraconazole. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:

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  a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);

  
  


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  cancer medications;

  
  


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  cholesterol medications such as atorvastatin (Lipitor);

  
  


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  cyclosporine (Gengraf, Sandimmune, Neoral);

  
  


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  diabetes medication you take by mouth;

  
  


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  digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin);

  
  


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  disopyramide (Norpace);

  
  


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  fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic);

  
  


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  isoniazid (for treating tuberculosis);

  
  


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  rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater, Rifamate), or rifapentine (Priftin);

  
  


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  sirolimus (Rapamune) or tacrolimus (Prograf);

  
  


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  an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), or telithromycin (Ketek);

  
  


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  an antifungal medication such as clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or voriconazole (Vfend);

  
  


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  an antidepressant such as nefazodone, paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft);

  
  


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  a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Solfoton);

  
  


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  heart or blood pressure medications such as amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia), verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan), and others;

  
  


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  HIV/AIDS medicine such as atazanavir (Reyataz), delavirdine (Rescriptor), efavirenz (Sustiva), etravirine (Intelence), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), nevirapine (Viramune), saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase), or ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra);

  
  


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  a sedative such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium); or

  
  


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  seizure medication such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), felbamate (Felbatol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), or phenytoin (Dilantin), or primidone (Mysoline).

  
  

This list is not complete and there are many other drugs that can interact with itraconazole. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

More Sporanox PulsePak resources

• Sporanox PulsePak Side Effects (in more detail)
• Sporanox PulsePak Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Sporanox PulsePak Drug Interactions
• Sporanox PulsePak Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Sporanox PulsePak - Add your own review/rating

• Sporanox PulsePak MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Itraconazole Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Itraconazole Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Itraconazole Monograph (AHFS DI)


• itraconazole Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Itraconazole MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Sporanox Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Sporanox Consumer Overview

Compare Sporanox PulsePak with other medications

• Aspergillosis, Aspergilloma
• Blastomycosis
• Candida Infections, Systemic
• Candida Urinary Tract Infection
• Coccidioidomycosis
• Cryptococcosis
• Dermatophytosis
• Esophageal Candidiasis
• Febrile Neutropenia
• Histoplasmosis
• Onychomycosis, Fingernail
• Onychomycosis, Toenail
• Oral Thrush
• Paracoccidioidomycosis
• Sporotrichosis
• Tinea Capitis
• Tinea Versicolor
• Vaginal Yeast Infection

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about itraconazole.

See also: Sporanox PulsePak side effects (in more detail)