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itraconazole 100mg uses dosage side effects indications contraindications
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Itrabust 100 - Itraconazole Capsules BP 100 mg
What Is This Medicine?
Itraconazole is a triazole antifungal drug. The blister pack you have is Itrabust 100, manufactured by Jaiwik Biotech (Jaipur), containing 10 capsules at 100 mg each.
- Batch: JHD26B25A | Mfg: 02/2026 | Expiry: 07/2027 (still valid)
- MRP: ₹173.40 per 10 caps (incl. all taxes)
Mechanism of Action
Itraconazole is an azole antifungal that works by inhibiting the fungal enzyme cytochrome P450-dependent 14-α-demethylation of lanosterol, which is a key step in ergosterol synthesis. Ergosterol is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. Without it, the membrane becomes leaky and the fungus cannot survive. - Jawetz, Melnick & Adelberg's Medical Microbiology, p. 718
What Is It Used For?
Itraconazole has a broad antifungal spectrum covering both yeasts and molds:
| Infection Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Systemic / invasive fungal infections | Histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, aspergillosis |
| Nail fungal infections (onychomycosis) | Fingernails, toenails |
| Oral/throat thrush (Candidiasis) | Mouth, esophagus |
| Skin infections | Tinea (ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch), pityriasis versicolor |
| Vaginal candidiasis | Yeast infections |
| Sporotrichosis | Skin/lymphatic fungal infection |
| Cryptococcal infections | Meningitis maintenance/consolidation therapy |
The standard adult dose for most skin/nail infections is 100-200 mg once or twice daily as directed by your physician. For nail infections, "pulse" dosing (1 week on, 3 weeks off) is commonly used.
How to Take It
- Swallow the capsule whole - do not open, chew, or crush it
- Take it with or immediately after a full meal for best absorption (absorption requires an acid stomach environment) - Medical Microbiology 9e
- Store in a cool, dry, dark place below 25°C, away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
Common Side Effects
| Frequency | Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Common | Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea/constipation, headache, dizziness |
| Less common | Rash, itching, abnormal taste, swelling, hair thinning, menstrual irregularities |
| Uncommon | Increased blood pressure, joint/muscle pain, tingling/numbness |
Serious Warnings - See a Doctor Immediately If:
- Signs of liver problems: yellowing of skin/eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, severe fatigue, loss of appetite - itraconazole can be hepatotoxic
- Signs of heart failure: breathlessness, sudden weight gain, swollen legs, persistent cough - itraconazole should NOT be used in patients with heart failure
- Severe skin reactions: widespread blistering rash
- Hearing changes (transient hearing loss has been reported)
Important Contraindications
- Do NOT use if you have congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Do NOT use during pregnancy (especially for nail infections - teratogenic risk)
- Avoid if you have serious liver disease (dose adjustment needed)
- Discuss with your doctor if you have kidney disease
Critical Drug Interactions (CYP3A4)
Itraconazole is a strong CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein inhibitor - one of the most potent among azoles. This means it significantly raises blood levels of many co-administered drugs, leading to toxicity. - Katzung's Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 16th Ed.
Tell your doctor if you are taking ANY of the following:
- Statins (simvastatin, lovastatin) - severe muscle damage risk
- Anticoagulants (warfarin) - bleeding risk
- Antivirals (ritonavir, indinavir, etc.)
- Benzodiazepines (alprazolam, midazolam)
- Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus)
- Rifampin/rifabutin - reduces itraconazole levels significantly
- Antacids, proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole) - reduce absorption
Practical Notes
- This is a prescription-only medication in India - it should be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician
- The capsule label states "As directed by the Physician" - do not self-medicate or adjust the dose
- The drug may take several weeks to months for nail infections; do not stop early
- If you are on long-term therapy (>1 month), your doctor will likely monitor liver function tests
If you have questions about why this was prescribed or your dosage, consult the prescribing doctor or pharmacist.
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