This article describes itraconazole oral capsule’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for itraconazole. If you want to know more about itraconazole oral capsule, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Itraconazole oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Sporanox. Itraconazole also comes in a solution you take by mouth, but that form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about that form, talk with your doctor.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings about the risks of congestive heart failure and serious effects on the heart. It also has a boxed warning for the risk of certain drug interactions. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about these warnings.
Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? For certain health conditions, Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care with no appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional in 15 minutes or less. Get started here.
Form and strength of itraconazole
Itraconazole oral capsule comes as follows:
- Form: capsule that you swallow whole
- Strength: 100 milligrams (mg)
Dosage of itraconazole
This article describes the recommended dosages for itraconazole oral capsule. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of itraconazole oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of itraconazole in adults
The dosages for itraconazole for certain types of fungal infections are as follows:
Dosage for fungal infections
| Condition/Purpose | Recommended dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| fungal infection of the lungs or blood | 200 mg | once to twice per day | variable |
| fungal infection of the toenails | 200 mg | once per day | 12 weeks |
| fungal infection of the fingernails only | 200 mg | twice per day | two 1-week courses |
Doses greater than 200 mg per day should be given in two divided doses.
For life threatening infections, your doctor may give you a loading dose of 200 mg taken three times per day for the first 3 days.
Dosage adjustments for itraconazole
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of itraconazole oral capsule based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- the medications you’re taking
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of itraconazole
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of itraconazole oral capsule. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Itraconazole oral capsule and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about itraconazole oral capsule and its dosage.
How long does it take itraconazole to start working?
How long it takes itraconazole to start working depends on the type of fungal infection you have. For some infections, you may see improvement within 1–4 weeks. For other infections, such as infection of the nails, it may take 3–6 months to see improvement.
Even if you don’t see an improvement, it’s important that you continue taking itraconazole. Stopping it too soon can cause your infection to come back or worsen.
Talk with your doctor if you’re concerned itraconazole isn’t working for you.
Is itraconazole taken long term?
No, doctors don’t typically prescribe itraconazole oral capsule as a long-term treatment. Instead, it’s usually recommended for short-term use.
Your doctor will monitor how well your infection is improving. Fungal infections can take some time to clear. So, taking itraconazole for 12 weeks or longer isn’t uncommon.
If you have questions about how long you should take itraconazole oral capsule, talk with your doctor.
How itraconazole is taken
You’ll typically swallow itraconazole oral capsule whole once to twice per day. It should be taken after a full meal.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Itraconazole coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for itraconazole when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
