Itraconazole: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Itraconazole is an antifungal medicine in the azole family, used to treat fungal nail infections affecting the toenails or fingernails. It is also used for certain fungal infections inside the body, including infections affecting the lungs, and is available as capsules and an oral solution. Itraconazole requires a prescription in the United Kingdom, and the different forms are not interchangeable.

Itraconazole capsules treat fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails caused by fungi called dermatophytes. These nail treatments are listed for people whose immune system is not weakened. The capsules also treat blastomycosis and histoplasmosis, which can affect the lungs or spread to other parts of the body.

The listed histoplasmosis uses include chronic lung disease and infection spread through the body, but not infection involving the membranes around the brain. Itraconazole is also used for aspergillosis affecting the lungs or other areas when amphotericin B has not worked or cannot be tolerated.

These internal infections may be treated in people with or without a weakened immune system. Only the oral solution has been demonstrated effective for fungal infections of the mouth or food pipe caused by Candida.

The label lists 100 mg oral capsules, including coated-pellet capsules, 65 mg gelatin-coated capsules, and a 10 mg/mL oral solution. The label lists 200 mg once daily for blastomycosis and histoplasmosis, with increases if needed to a maximum of 400 mg daily. The label lists doses above 200 mg/day in divided doses.

The label lists 200 to 400 mg daily for aspergillosis. The label lists 200 mg once daily for 12 consecutive weeks for toenail infection, with or without fingernail involvement. The label lists 200 mg twice daily for 1 week for fingernail-only infection, followed by a 3-week treatment-free period and a repeat course.

The capsule directions specify administration with a full meal and that capsules remain whole. Capsules and oral solution are not interchangeable. The label advises caution in people with kidney or liver impairment because information on use in these groups is limited.

Itraconazole belongs to the azole family of antifungal medicines. These medicines interfere with the way fungi make ergosterol, a substance needed for their outer cell membrane. This membrane acts as a protective barrier and helps the fungal cell work normally.

When ergosterol production is disrupted, the membrane cannot function properly, which limits fungal growth. Itraconazole also affects enzymes that break down other medicines in the body. This helps explain why it can interact with many medicines and change their levels in the blood.

There are no studies in pregnant women. Animal studies showed harm to developing offspring, and congenital abnormalities have been reported in people, although a causal link has not been established. For internal fungal infections during pregnancy, the label permits use only when the benefit outweighs the potential risk.

Itraconazole must not be used for fungal nail infections during pregnancy or when planning pregnancy. For nail treatment in women who could become pregnant, the label requires effective pregnancy prevention, with highly effective contraception continued throughout treatment and for 2 months afterwards. The label does not specify breastfeeding information; discuss breastfeeding with a doctor or pharmacist.

A missed dose can interrupt an antifungal treatment course. General pharmacy advice is to resume the prescribed schedule rather than double a dose to make up for one missed.

If the next dose is nearly due, the missed dose is usually skipped. A pharmacist can clarify this for the prescribed regimen, especially when treatment includes planned breaks.

The capsule label specifies storage at controlled room temperature, 20° to 25°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep the medicine out of reach of children. Follow the storage directions on the product packaging to maintain quality.