Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Itraconazole oral solution is prescribed to treat yeast infections affecting the mouth, throat, or esophagus. Itraconazole belongs to a class of antifungal medications known as triazoles. Its mechanism of action involves slowing down the growth of fungi responsible for causing the infection.
Uses and Dosage
Itraconazole is available in capsule and liquid form to be taken orally. If you’re using itraconazole capsules to treat lung fungal infections, your dosage and schedule may vary. Typically, for non-serious lung fungal infections, you’ll take the capsules with a full meal once or twice a day for at least 3 months. For severe lung fungal infections, you may take the capsules with a meal three times a day for the initial 3 days, followed by once or twice a day with a meal for at least 3 months.
Itraconazole oral solution is typically taken on an empty stomach once or twice daily for 1 to 4 weeks, or longer as directed by your doctor.
Follow your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Swallow itraconazole capsules whole, without chewing or crushing them. Your doctor may recommend taking itraconazole capsules with a cola soft drink under certain conditions or with certain medications.
To use itraconazole oral solution for mouth or throat fungal infections, swish 10 milliliters (about 2 teaspoons) of the solution in your mouth for several seconds and then swallow.
It’s crucial not to substitute the capsules for the liquid or vice versa, as they’re absorbed differently in the body and are intended to treat different conditions. Ensure you’re using the itraconazole product prescribed by your doctor.
Even if you don’t see immediate improvement, continue taking itraconazole for nail infections until several months after completion, as it takes time for a healthy nail to grow back. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and don’t discontinue itraconazole without consulting your doctor, as stopping prematurely may lead to a recurrence of the infection.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- diarrhea
- constipation
- gas or bloating
- heartburn
- stomach pain
- unpleasant taste
- headache
- sweating
- muscle pain or weakness
- joint pain
- decreased sexual desire
- inability to get or keep an erection
- missed or irregular menstrual periods
- nervousness
- depression
- runny nose and other cold symptoms
- fever
- hair loss
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- ringing in the ears
- inability to control urination or urinating more than usual
- feelings of numbness, tingling, pricking, burning, or creeping on the skin
- ongoing pain that begins in the stomach area, but may spread to the back
- excessive tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools
- hearing loss
- blistering or peeling skin
- rash
- hives
- itching
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
Caution
- Before taking itraconazole, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergies to it, other azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), or any other substances. Inactive ingredients in the product may trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
- Prior to using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or lung disease.
- This medication may cause dizziness. Alcohol or marijuana may exacerbate this effect. Refrain from driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness until you can do so safely.
- Older adults may face a greater risk of hearing loss while using this drug.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only if clearly necessary, as it may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor. Inquire about reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication and for 2 months after discontinuing treatment.
- Itraconazole passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Sporanox Solution is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Sporanox Solution solution:
- 10 mg / mL
FAQ
Why do I need to take Sporanox Solution on an empty stomach?
Your body absorbs Sporanox much better on an empty stomach. Taking this medication with food can cause the medication to not work as well.
What’s the difference between Sporanox Solution and Sporanox capsules?
Sporanox oral solution is FDA approved to treat oral fungal thrush of the mouth and esophagus and is taken on an empty stomach. On the other hand, Sporanox capsules are FDA approved to treat serious fungal infections and fungal nail infections and is taken with a full meal.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/sporanox/what-is#faqs
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/itraconazole-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20071421?
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20156-itraconazole-oral-solution
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a692049.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-197-5262/sporanox-oral/itraconazole-solution-oral/details
- https://www.drugs.com/cdi/sporanox-itraconazole-oral-solution.html
