Sporanox (itraconazole) is an antifungal medication that fights infections caused by fungus.

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

It is not known if Sporanox is safe and effective in children.

Take Sporanox exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

The Sporanox capsule should be taken with food.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

Take the 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 carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Sporanox capsules should not be used in place of itraconazole oral solution (liquid) if that is what your doctor has prescribed. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes.

If you also take a stomach acid reducer (Tagamet, Pepcid, Axid, Zantac, and others), take Sporanox with an acidic drink such as non-diet cola.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Itraconazole will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

You may need frequent medical tests.

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

Before taking itraconazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart valve disease), lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), decreased or no stomach acid (achlorhydria).

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Alcohol may also increase the risk of serious liver problems.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be at greater risk for hearing loss while using this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication should not be used to treat fungal nail infections if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Women of childbearing age should start this medication 2 to 3 days after the start of their periods to make sure that they are not pregnant. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication and for 2 months after stopping treatment.

Itraconazole passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stomach upset, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: numbness/tingling of arms/legs, hearing loss, mental/mood changes (such as depression).

Itraconazole has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver disease, such as: nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.

Itraconazole can commonly cause a mild rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Get medical help right away if you develop any rash.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food. Avoid taking antacids, H2-blockers, or proton pump inhibitors within 2 hours of taking this medicine. It is best to separate these medicines by 2 hours. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.