What does it do?

Itraconazole is used to treat and prevent fungal infections.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have liver, kidney or heart problems.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Your doctor may do a heart test (ECG) before you start and while you are taking itraconazole.

How should you take it?

Take itraconazole regularly as directed. Keep taking it until the course is finished, even if you start to feel better.
Capsule: Take with food and a glass of water. Swallow them whole.
Liquid: Measure carefully with an oral syringe or measuring spoon. Take it on an empty stomach - one hour before or two hours after food.

What if you forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as possible and continue as directed.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with itraconazole including:

• indigestion medicines such as antacids (e.g. Mylanta®, Gaviscon®), and omeprazole (Losec®)
• sildenafil (e.g. Viagra®) or similar medicines

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John's wort) or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Symptoms of allergy including: skin rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing Reduced number of blood cells that fight infections or help your blood to clot - symptoms include: fever, chills, sore throat or generally feeling unwell, or easy or unusual bruising or bleeding Symptoms of liver problems including: yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, pale bowel motions, abdominal pain Fainting Severe stomach pain, nausea	Tell your doctor immediately
Swollen feet or legs, short of breath	Tell your doctor
Headache, dizziness Stomach upset	Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Grapefruit, grapefruit juice or sour/Seville oranges may react with itraconazole. Discuss with your pharmacist.
• Do not take indigestion remedies within 2 hours of itraconazole.
• You will need regular blood tests while taking itraconazole to check if it is causing problems with your liver. You may also need blood tests to check how much itraconazole is in your blood.
• Itraconazole liquid expires 3 months after you first open the bottle. If you have any liquid leftover after 3 months, take it back to your pharmacy.