Sporanox

What is it?

A triazole antifungal drug available as pink/blue capsules enclosing coated pellets containing 100mg of itraconazole. Also, SPORANOX 1V, a concentrate for making up solution for infusion, available in ampoules containing 10mg of itracoriazole per ml. Also, SPORANOX LIQUID, a solution containing 10mg of itraconazole per ml. Used for Sporanox, vulvovaginal candidiasis, candidiasis of the mouth and pharynx and for this condition in patients with weak immunity or those who are HIV positive (Sporanox liquid Also, used for this). Sporanox and Sporanox I, serious, systemic (whole body) fungal infections including aspergillosis, candidosis, cryptococcosis, cryptococcal meningitis in which other antifungal treatment cannot be used. Also, histoplasmosis and prevention of recurrence of fungal infections in AIDS patients and in those suffering from long-standing neutropenia (seriously reduced number of neutrophils - white blood cells of the immune system) in whom other treatments cannot be used. Sporonox liquid, prevention of systemic fungal infections in patients with cancer of the blood or those undergoing bone marrow transplant, candidiasis of the mouth and oesophagus in patients with weak immunity or those who are HIV positive.

Dosage

Adults, Sporanox, vulvovaginal candidiasis, 2 divided doses of 200mg for 1 day. Candidiasis of the mouth and pharynx, 1 capsule each day for 15 days or 2, in patients with AIDS or neutropenia. Or, using Sporanox liquid, 100mg twice each day or 200mg once each day - doses to be held in mouth and moved around for 20 seconds before swallowing and taken at least 1 hour before food. Treatment 10 be continued for 7 days. If patient is resistant to fluconazole, 100 to 200mg should be taken twice each day for 14 days, continuing, if needed, for a further 2 weeks. Aspergillosis, 200mg once each day to start, or twice daily in more serious cases; candidosis, 100 to 200mg once each day at first, increasing to 200mg twice each day in more serious cases. Non-meningeal cryptococcosis, 200mg once each day. Cryptococcal meningitis, 200mg twice each day; histoplasmosis, 200mg 1 to 2 times each day. Prevention of recurrence of fungal infections, 200mg once each day at first, increasing to 20mmg twice each day if blood levels of itraconazole are low. Adults, Sporanox IV 200mg by intravenous infusion lasting 1 hour twice each day for 2 days and then once daily. Adults, Sporanox liquid, prevention of infections in blood cancer or bone marrow trans plant, 5mg per kg of body weight in 2 divided doses each day, taken at least 1 hour before food and immediately before cytostatic therapy in cancer or 1 week prior to transplant procedure. Candidiasis of the mouth and oesophagus, 100mg twice each day or 200mg once daily, taken at least 1 hour before food and continuing for 7 days and for further week, if necessary. In patients resistant to fluconazole, 100 to 200mg twice each day for 14 days, continuing for further 14 days if necessary.

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, simvastatin, 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 1V must be reported to the Committee on the safety of Medicines (CSM).