Itraconazole Uses

Itraconazole is used to treat infections caused by fungi in the lungs, such as blastomycosis and histoplasmosis. It is also used to treat aspergillosis in people who are intolerant or unresponsive to amphotericin B. In addition, itraconazole is used to treat onychomycosis (fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails caused by tinea unguium). Itraconazole may also be prescribed to treat oropharyngeal candidiasis (oral thrush) and esophageal candidiasis.

There may be other uses of itraconazole, such as to treat certain fungal infections in HIV-infected patients—your doctor or pharmacist can give you further drug information.

Itraconazole Mechanism of Action

The medicine affects fungal growth by blocking the formation of the protective cell membrane.

Itraconazole Doses

The usual dose of itraconazole is as follows: 

Blastomycosis and histoplasmosis:

• Sporanox: 200 mg (two capsules) once daily by mouth with a main meal for a minimum of 3 months. The dose can be increased by 100 mg up to a maximum of 400 mg daily, taken in divided doses. 
• Tolsura: 130 mg (two capsules) once daily by mouth. The dose can be increased by 65 mg up to a maximum of 260 mg daily, taken in divided doses.

Aspergillosis:

• Sporanox: 200 mg to 400 mg once daily by mouth with a main meal for a minimum of 3 months.
• Tolsura: 130 mg once or twice daily by mouth.

Onychomycosis of the toenails with or without involvement of the fingernails:

• Sporanox: 200 mg once daily by mouth with a main meal for 12 weeks.

Onychomycosis of the fingernails only:

• Sporanox: 200 mg twice daily (400 mg per day) by mouth with a main meal for 1 week, followed by no treatment for three weeks, and then repeat treatment with 200 mg twice daily by mouth with a full meal for one more week.

Oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis:

• Oropharyngeal candidiasis: 200 mg or 20 mL oral solution once daily for 1-2 weeks.
• Esophageal candidiasis: 100 mg or 10 mL oral solution once daily for 3 weeks.