Warnings & Recalls for Sporanox
Sporanox and Pregnancy
Sporanox has been assigned as a U.S. Food and Drug Administration
pregnancy Category C medicine. The effect of Sporanox on the fetus if taken during pregnancy is
unknown. However, this medicine can harm a child that is nursing. Consult your doctor before taking Sporanox if you are pregnant or may become pregnant; patients
should not take Sporanox while breastfeeding.
General Warnings
Patients who are
allergic to Sporanox or have a history of
congestive heart failure should not use this medicine under any circumstance. Before taking Sporanox, let your doctor know if any of the following conditions apply to you:
- heart disorders such as arrhythmia or heart disease
- blood flow or circulatory problems
- if you have ever had a stroke (blood flow to a certain part of the brain is constricted)
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), cystic fibrosis (mucus buildup in the lungs or digestive tract), asthma, or any other breathing problem
- liver or kidney disease
- a history of Long QT syndrome (LQTS) or if anyone in your family has had LQTS
- if you are taking any other medicines
In May of 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning regarding use of Sporanox for treating fungal infections of the nails. Sporanox may increase the risk of serious cardiac reactions, and if used along with Lamisil, Sporanox may cause hepatic (liver) side effects.
Sporanox Interactions
It may be dangerous to take Sporanox along with other medications. Tell your healthcare provider about
all medicines you are using, especially:
- drugs for treating heartburn (indigestion)
- medicines for regulating your heart rate
- weight loss supplements
- pain relievers such as methadone
- midazolam (a medicine given to children before medical procedures to treat anxiety and induce sleepiness)
- felodipine, nisoldipine, or other treatments for hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Tourette's treatments such as pimozide
- quinidine
- medicines derived from ergots
Sporanox Treatment and Use
Sporanox | itraconazole belongs to a type of medicines called triazole antifungals and is marketed by Janssen Pharmaceutica for treating fungal infections and preventing further spread throughout the body. Sporanox may be prescribed for treating infections of the:
- lungs and airways
- mouth cavities, throat and esophagus
- fingernails and toenails
- vagina
- skin (such as athletes foot, ringworm and jock itch
How Does Sporanox Work?
Sporanox stops the spread of fungus in the body by blocking production of ergosterol which is necessary in fungal cell formation. This leaves fungus susceptable to damage and causes the cells to die off and end the infection.
Sporanox Dosage Information
Sporanox comes in 100 mg capsules, 10mg/ml oral suspension, and 10mg/ml injection form depending on treatment type. Capsules should be taken directly after a meal, and Sporanox liquid should be taken either 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. If you are using Sporanox oral suspension, be sure to measure the amount in a proper dose-measuring device (not a household spoon) and swish the liquid around your mouth completely before swallowing. Generally, 200mg to 400mg are prescribed daily for treating fungal infections with Sporanox. This amount is typically taken in two divided smaller doses each day.
Take Sporanox in only the form prescribed by your doctor and as long as recommended. Do not end your treatment early even if you feel healthy, this can cause the fungus to become resistant to the medicine.
