Itraconazole

Itraconazole

Antifungals Prescription only ATC code: J02AC02

What it is

Itraconazole is a triazole antifungal that stops fungi from making ergosterol, a building block of their cell membrane, halting fungal growth. It is prescription-only and used for fungal infections, including stubborn ones in the nails, skin and deeper tissues.

Typical dose
100–200 mg
2× a day
Times
With food

Used for

  • Fungal infection

What to know while taking it

Absorption depends on stomach acid and on food, so it is taken with a meal and kept apart from antacids by a couple of hours. It strongly inhibits the liver enzyme that clears simvastatin and atorvastatin, which is why those statins are avoided with it, and it can increase the effect of warfarin. It can weaken the heart's pumping strength, hence the caution in heart failure, and ALT and AST are followed to watch the liver.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor for new or worsening breathlessness, swelling of the ankles, or sudden weight gain, for jaundice, dark urine or ongoing nausea, and for unexplained muscle pain or weakness, or bleeding that does not settle.

Worth knowing

  • Watch liver enzymes
  • Caution in heart failure
  • Take at least 2 hours apart from antacids

Do not combine with

Interacts with

Markers to watch

Reference information, not medical advice. Discuss any change with your doctor.