Compare Ambisome vs. Itraconazole
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats fungal infections.
Effective treatment for severe and otherwise, deadly fungal infections.
Treats fungal infections.
Sporanox (itraconazole) is effective oral medication that treats many different kinds of fungal infections. However, it has the potential to interact with a lot of other medications and has a few serious but rare side effects.
Upsides
- This is a potentially life-saving medication for serious fungal infections.
- May cause less side effects and harm to your kidneys compared to the conventional formulation of the drug and Abelcet.
- Your doctor may be able to give you medicines to prevent or manage any reactions you may have to Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome).
- Sporanox (itraconazole) is effective in treating infections caused by many different types of fungi.
- Available as a generic in the capsule form.
- Sporanox (itraconazole) can be used by people who have kidney problems.
Downsides
- Can only be given as an injection that runs over 1 to 2 hours.
- Can only be given in a hospital or by trained home health care professional.
- The entire treatment can range from 1 to 12 weeks, depending on the severity of your infection.
- Has a lot of side effects like fever, chills, nausea, vomitting, and diarrhea. Your doctor may order regular blood tests to monitor your labs.
- Your body may have an allergic reaction to the drug or the way it is administered.
- The liquid solution is especially likely to cause stomach upset like nausea and diarrhea.
- Sporanox (itraconazole) is not a good choice for simple fungal infections (like nail infections) in people who have congestive heart failure because it can cause high blood pressure and swelling of the limbs.
- Sporanox (itraconazole) isn't absorbed in the same way by everyone. You'll likely need to get lab tests done to check on its levels in the blood.
- Sporanox (itraconazole) can cause serious side effects like allergic reactions, liver toxicity, nerve pain, or hearing loss.
- Sporanox (itraconazole) has a lot of drug interactions. Let your doctor or pharmacist know about all of the medications you're taking.
Used for
- Severe fungal infections
- Valley Fever
- Leishmaniasis
- Aspergillosis
- Cryptococcosis
- Cryptococcal Meningitis
- Blastomycosis
- Candidiasis
- Histoplasmosis
- Mucormycosis
- Salvage therapy for invasive aspergillosis
- Blastomycosis
- Oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis
- Histoplasmosis
- Onychomycosis
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis in HIV-infected patients
- Coccidioidal meningitis in HIV-infected patients
- Coccidioidal pneumonia in HIV-infected patients
- Cryptococcosis in HIV-infected patients
- Disseminated microsporidiosis in HIV-infected patients
- Penicilliosis in HIV-infected patients
Dosage forms
- Injection
- Pill
- Liquid
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Side effects
44possible side effects
- Chills48%
- Low potassium43%
- Nausea40%
- Vomiting32%
- Diarrhea30%
- Rash25%
- HIgh glucose23%
- Shortness of breath23%
- Liver labs (alkaline phosphatase) increased22%
- Abnormal kidney function tests (creatinine)22%
- Abnormal kidney function tests (blood urea nitrogen)21%
- Abdominal pain20%
- Low magnesium20%
- Headache20%
- Blood product transfusion reaction18%
- Abnormal liver function (bilirubinemia)18%
- Low calcium18%
- Cough increased18%
- Lung disorder18%
- Insomnia17%
- Abnormal liver enzymes (ALT)15%
- Swelling of the hands and feet15%
- Sudden nose bleeds15%
- Pain14%
- Life-threatening infection14%
- Low blood pressure14%
- Fluid retention14%
- Anxiety14%
- Blood in urine14%
- Weakness13%
- Fast heart rate13%
- Fluid in the lungs13%
- Back pain12%
- Chest pain12%
- Low fluid volume12%
- Infection11%
- Confusion11%
- Runny nose11%
- Itching11%
- Bleeding in the stomach9%
- High blood pressure8%
- Low oxygen in the lungs8%
- Sweating7%
- High sodium4%
14possible side effects
- Nausea11%
- Rash9%
- Vomiting5%
- Swelling due to fluid retention4%
- Headache4%
- Diarrhea3%
- Tiredness3%
- Fever3%
- Itching3%
- High blood pressure3%
- Lowered liver function3%
- Abdominal pain2%
- Dizziness2%
- Low potassium2%
Risks and risk factors
- Severe allergic reaction
- Injection related side effects
- Kidney injury
- Preexisting kidney disease
- Dehydration
- Low magnesium and potassium
- Preexisting low magnesium or potassium
- Changes in blood pressure
- Congestive Heart Failure
- History of congestive heart failure
- Drug interactions
- Liver toxicity
- Irregular heartbeat
- Taking other medications that can produce an irregular heartbeat
- Do not switch between the capsules or liquid forms