Indications

Sporanox is indicated for people with fungal infections in the lungs, skin, nails, throat, mouth and esophagus. It has a broader curative efficacy than fluconazole drugs and is particularly effective against Aspericillus where fluconazole does not work. It is also effective in treating sporotrichoses, blastomycosis, onychomycosis and histoplasmosis. Itraconazole in Sporanox is 99% protein and has virtually no penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid. Hence, it is not generally prescribed for treating meningitis and other microbial infections of the central nervous system. Nevertheless, the drug has been documented to be successful in treating coccidioidal and cryptococcal meningitis.

The drug is also prescribed for patients with systemic infections that include candidasis, cryptococcosis, and aspergillosis where other azole antifungal drugs may be less effective or inappropriate. Itraconazole in Sporanox is currently being studied as a potential anti-carcinogenic agent for treating prostate cancer, basal cell carcinoma, and non-small cell lung cancer.

Mechanism of action

Itraconazole in Sporanox acts the same way as a demethylase enzyme inhibitor with other azole antifungal drugs. It inhibits fungus-driven synthesis of ergostersol. However, its is pharmacologically different from other azole agents for being the only drug among them that inhibits both andiogenesis and the hedgehog signaling pathway which are distinct from its inhibition of the cytochrome P450 14-alpha-demethylase from converting lanosterol to cholesterol.

Dosage

Each 100 mg Sporanox capsule should be ingested with a full glass of water after a meal to ensure absorption in the stomach. With oral solutions prescribed for the mouth and throat, the solution should be gargled vigorously in the moth for a few seconds then swallowed, with or without food, preferably the latter. Sporanox should only be taken as directed in the prescription. Hence, it is important to get a prescription even if you can buy Sporanox or its other Itraconazole brands online from UK drugstores without one.

Side effects

Sporanox may cause drowsiness or dizziness and should not be taken if you have to drive or operative heavy machinery. It may also trigger slight headache, and ringing in the ears. In rare reactions, Sporanox has caused severe and often deadly liver damage. If after taking the drug, you suddenly experience vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fatigue from light work, jaundice, skin itching, dark urine or stools, report immediately to your doctor as any of these could be an early symptom of liver damage. In other rare situations, Sporanox has been known to trigger congestive heart failure or CHF. If you develop chest pains, shortness of breath or swelling at anytime while taking Sporanox, get in touch with your doctor right away as any of these signs may indicate the onset of congestive heart failure.

Caution

Before taking Sporanox, be sure to consult with your doctor first if you have a history of CHF or other heart valve conditions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder or other lung ailments, or significant swelling or edema. Do not take Sporanox if you are already taking cisapride (Propulsid), astemizole (Hismanal), pimozide (Orap), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), simvastatin (Zocor), ovastatin (Mevacor), or quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinora, Quin-Release, Quinaglute, or Quin-G). Interacting with any of these drugs, Sporanox could result in serious, if not fatal reactions.

The drug is also known to pass to breast milk of lactating mother and should not be taken when breast feeding your infant. Contraception is strongly recommended for women who may become pregnant during Sporanox treatment and for two months after undergoing treatment. Drink alcohol moderately as alcohol and Sporanox taken concurrently can adversely affect the liver. Lastly, if you like grapefruit or grapefruit juice, know that Sporanox may interact with the fruit which could result in potentially serious side effects.