Itraconazole

Itraconazole and Fungal Infections

Itraconazole treats fungal infections. Fungal infections in the lungs can be very serious as they can spread rapidly. They can also cause a person to have trouble getting enough air. Itraconazole is a medication that is often given to help with getting rid of the fungus. Lower doses of this medication may be offered to help with treating recurring fungus around the fingernails or toenails.

Some medical professionals also prescribe Itraconazole when there is a type of yeast infection around the mouth and throat that is the result of some form of fungus. Without medical care a person will experience high fevers and due to the infection. The medication helps to prevent the fungus from growing. It is often combined with a type of antibiotic that will kill the fungus.

Itraconazole Dosage

Most people have to take it once per day but there are extremely cases where the patient may need to the medicine three times a day. It should be taken with food to help prevent nausea. The medicine may need to be taken for a span of time from 1 month to 6 months. Even when a person feels better they need to take it. Otherwise there is the risk that the fungus won’t be eliminated and then the illness will escalate again.

Itraconazole Precautions

Not everyone is a good candidate for the use of this medication. Those that have had a heart attack or stroke, irregular heart beat, problems with the liver, kidney disease, or lung problems shouldn’t use it. Those that may have a family history of any of these problems are also at a high risk of health problems developing.

It is very important to know that the use of Itraconazole can result in congestive heart failure. This is a life threatening problem as the heart won’t be able to get sufficient amounts of blood. There may be some serious side effects that need to be reported to the doctor. They include changes in breathing ability, coughing up phlegm, chronic fatigue, and swelling of the extremities.

Make sure you tell your doctor about any medications you are taking. Many of them will be rendered useless when you add Itraconazole to your daily regimen. Some side effects have been identified with this medicine. They include excessive gas, constipation, abdominal pain, heartburn, gums that are tender or bleeding, dizziness, headaches, and excessive sweating.