| Recommended Dose and Dosage Regimen | The recommended dose for itraconazole varies depending on the indication. For systemic fungal infections, the typical adult dose is 200 mg twice daily for 1 week, followed by maintenance therapy of 200 mg once or twice daily. Pediatric dosing is weight-based and may vary. |
| Frequency of Administration | Itraconazole is typically administered once or twice daily, depending on the indication and the specific dosing regimen prescribed by the healthcare provider. |
| Route of Administration | Itraconazole is available in oral capsule and oral solution formulations, and the route of administration is oral ingestion. |
| Mechanism of Action (MOA) | Itraconazole exerts its antifungal effects by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes, through inhibition of the enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase. |
| Pharmacokinetics (PK) | Itraconazole is well absorbed after oral administration, and its absorption is enhanced by acidic gastric conditions. It undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism, primarily via the CYP3A4 enzyme pathway. |
| Pharmacodynamics (PD) | Itraconazole disrupts fungal cell membrane integrity by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis, leading to fungal cell death. It exhibits fungistatic activity against a wide range of fungi. |
| Pathophysiology | Itraconazole is used to treat systemic fungal infections caused by various fungi, including Aspergillus spp., Blastomyces dermatitidis, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Candida spp., among others. |
| Primary Indications | Itraconazole is indicated for the treatment of systemic fungal infections, including invasive aspergillosis, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and certain types of candidiasis. |
| Contraindications | Contraindications to using itraconazole include hypersensitivity to the drug or its components, co-administration with certain drugs that may interact adversely, and pre-existing liver disease or impaired liver function. |
| Purpose of Taking Medication | Itraconazole is prescribed to treat systemic fungal infections that affect various organs and tissues in the body, including the lungs, skin, bones, and central nervous system. |
| Usage Instructions | Itraconazole should be taken exactly as prescribed by the healthcare provider, typically with a full glass of water and with food to enhance absorption. It is essential to complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve. |
| Other Possible Uses | In addition to treating fungal infections, itraconazole may be used off-label for certain dermatological conditions, such as onychomycosis (fungal nail infections), and as a prophylactic treatment in immunocompromised patients. |
| Precautions and Care | Patients taking itraconazole should be cautious of potential drug interactions, especially with medications metabolized via the CYP3A4 pathway. Liver function tests should be monitored regularly due to the risk of hepatotoxicity. |
| Dietary Considerations | While taking itraconazole, individuals should maintain a balanced diet unless otherwise instructed by their healthcare provider. Avoiding alcohol consumption may be advisable due to potential interactions with the liver. |
| Missed Dose | If a dose of itraconazole is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In such cases, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. |
| Possible Side Effects | Common side effects of itraconazole may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, and dizziness. Serious side effects such as liver toxicity, allergic reactions, and heart rhythm disturbances may occur rarely. |
| Storage and Disposal | Itraconazole should be stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Unused or expired medication should be disposed of properly according to local guidelines or by consulting a pharmacist. |
| Overdose or Emergency | In case of an overdose or emergency situation, medical assistance should be sought immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, fainting, rapid heart rate, and difficulty breathing. |
| Monitoring and Laboratory Tests | Patients taking itraconazole may require regular monitoring of liver function tests, particularly during prolonged therapy, to detect any signs of hepatotoxicity. Additionally, monitoring for drug interactions may be necessary. |
