Itraconazole 200 mg is an antifungal medicine used to treat certain fungal infections affecting the skin, nails, and internal organs, depending on the infection and product indication. It belongs to the triazole class of antifungals and works by interfering with fungal cell membrane formation.
Itraconazole 200 mg contains itraconazole, an antifungal medicine used to treat infections caused by susceptible fungi. It is available in different oral formulations, and the instructions can vary depending on whether the product is a capsule, tablet, or oral solution.
Itraconazole may be prescribed for certain fungal infections of the skin and nails, as well as some deeper or systemic fungal infections. The appropriate formulation and treatment duration depend on the type and severity of the infection.
Itraconazole 200 mg may be prescribed to:
Treat certain fungal infections affecting the skin.
Treat fungal nail infections caused by susceptible fungi, where approved for the specific product.
Treat certain systemic fungal infections, such as histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, or aspergillosis, when indicated.
The appropriate treatment, dose, and duration should be determined by a healthcare professional based on the infection, medical history, and specific product formulation.
Itraconazole inhibits a fungal enzyme called lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, which is involved in producing ergosterol. Ergosterol is an essential component of the fungal cell membrane. By reducing ergosterol production, itraconazole disrupts the membrane and inhibits fungal growth.
The time required for improvement varies by infection. Skin symptoms may improve before a fungal nail infection clears, as healthy nail growth can take several months.
Take Itraconazole 200 mg exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Follow the prescribed dose, frequency, and treatment duration.
Conventional itraconazole capsules are generally taken immediately after a full meal to support absorption.
Swallow capsules whole with water.
Different formulations, including oral solutions and certain specialised capsules, may have different food instructions and should not be substituted for one another without medical advice.
Medicines that reduce stomach acid may affect the absorption of conventional itraconazole capsules.
If you miss a dose, follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet or ask your pharmacist. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Do not stop treatment early or change the dose without consulting your healthcare professional.
Follow the instructions for your specific product, as administration requirements may vary.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history and all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you use before starting itraconazole.
Important precautions include:
Heart problems: Itraconazole can worsen heart failure. Tell your doctor if you have heart failure or a history of significant heart disease.
Liver disease: Itraconazole can rarely cause serious liver injury. Medical monitoring may be required during treatment.
Kidney problems: Inform your healthcare professional if you have impaired kidney function, as treatment may require additional assessment.
Allergies: Do not take itraconazole if you have a known allergy to it or any ingredient in the product.
Hearing changes: Hearing loss, sometimes temporary and occasionally persistent, has been reported.
Pregnancy: Itraconazole may not be appropriate during pregnancy, particularly for certain infections such as fungal nail infections.
Itraconazole can interact with many medicines because it affects the CYP3A4 enzyme, which helps the body process various drugs. Important interaction groups include certain statins, heart rhythm medicines, sedatives, blood thinners, and some medicines used to treat cancer or infections. Some combinations are contraindicated because they can cause serious adverse effects.
Check all current medicines with your doctor or pharmacist before starting itraconazole, and consult them before adding any new medicine.
Itraconazole is generally avoided during pregnancy for fungal nail infections. For serious systemic fungal infections, a specialist may consider treatment if the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk. Recommendations depend on the infection, formulation, and local prescribing guidance.
Itraconazole can pass into breast milk. Speak with your doctor before using it while breastfeeding so that the potential benefits and risks can be assessed. If you are planning a pregnancy or could become pregnant, discuss appropriate precautions with your healthcare professional.
Like all medicines, Itraconazole can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Common or recognised side effects include:
Nausea or vomiting
Abdominal discomfort
Diarrhoea
Headache
Indigestion
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling of the legs, or sudden or worsening heart-related symptoms. These may indicate serious liver problems or heart failure.
This is not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Please refer to the product packaging and patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for complete information and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Store Itraconazole 200 mg according to the instructions shown on the original product packaging.
Keep the medicine in its original packaging.
Protect it from excessive heat and moisture.
Keep it out of reach of children.
Do not use the medicine after its expiry date.
Follow any additional storage instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Itraconazole 200 mg is an antifungal medicine used for certain fungal infections affecting the skin, nails, or internal organs. Its approved uses depend on the specific product and the type of infection.
The time required for improvement depends on the infection being treated. Skin symptoms may improve within days or weeks, while fungal nail infections can require months for visible recovery.
Conventional itraconazole capsules are generally taken after a full meal. Other formulations may have different instructions, so check the product leaflet before taking your medicine.
Itraconazole is used to treat certain fungal nail infections when indicated. Treatment duration and suitability depend on the affected nails, the type of fungus, and your medical history.
Itraconazole interacts with many medicines, including certain heart medicines, cholesterol-lowering drugs, sedatives, and other treatments. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to check your medicines before starting treatment.
Do not stop treatment early without medical advice. Completing the prescribed treatment course may be important to control the infection and reduce the chance of it returning.
Itraconazole is generally avoided during pregnancy for fungal nail infections. For other infections, a healthcare professional must assess whether treatment is appropriate based on the potential benefits and risks.
