Sporanox Pulse

What is it?

A triazole antifungal preparation available as pink/blue capsules enclosing pellets containing 100mg of itraconazole. Also, SPORANOX CAPSULES, blue/pink, enclosing pellets, containing 100mg of itraconazole.

Medical Uses

Sporanox Plus and Sporanox capsules: onychomycosis (fungal infections of nails), tines pedis (fungal infection of foot), tines manum (fungal infection of hand), tines corporis (fungal infections of body), tines cruris (fungal infection of the groin). Sporanox Pulse: pityriasis versicolor (skin disorder), other dermatophytoses.

Dosage

Adults, Sporanox Pulse, onychomycosis, 2 capsules twice each day for 1 week. For fingernails, then repeat once after 3 weeks; for toenails, repeat twice allowing 3 weeks between each course of treatment. Tines, 2 capsules twice each day for 7 days. Sporanox capsules, onychomycosis, 200mg once each day for 3 months; tines pedis and manum, 100mg once each day for 30 days; tines corporis and cruris, 100mg once each day for 15 days or, 200mg once each day for 1 week. Pityriasis versicolor, 200mg once each day for 1 week.

Special Care

Previous liver disease or those who have suffered toxic effects to the liver from taking other drugs. Liver function must be checked if treatment continues beyond 4 weeks.

Avoid Use

Elderly, children, pregnancy, breastfeeding. Women of child-bearing age must use effective contraception during treatment and for 1 month following taking Sporanox.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Antacids, astemizole, rifampicin, terfenadine, cyclosporin, H2 antagonists, digoxin, cisapride, rifabutin, class 11 calcium antagonists, atorvastatin, isoniazid, rifampicin, oral anticoagulants, indinavir, alfentanil, vinca alkaloids, phenytoin, triazolam, lovastatin, midazolam, docetaxel, phenobarbitone, tacrolimus, verapamil, saquinavir, rapamycin, busulphan, isoniazid, methylprednisolone, quinidine, ritonavir, pimozide, trimetrexate, clarithromycin, buspirone, sirnvastatin, alprazolam, carbamazepine.

Known Side Effects

Pain in abdomen, gastrointestinal upset, headache, irregular menstruation, raised liver enzymes, allergic reactions, dizziness. Withdraw if peripheral nerve damage occurs. With longer-term use, fluid retention, low blood potassium levels, cholestatic jaundice, hair loss, hepatitis. Any adverse side effects with Sporanox IV must be reported to the Committee on the safety of Medicines (CSM).