Sporanox
(itraconazole)
Treats fungal infections.
Our bottom line
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.
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (itraconazole)
Upsides
- 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.
What to expect from Itraconazole, on one page
Downsides
- 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.
What to expect from Itraconazole, on one page
Sporanox (itraconazole) kills fungus by preventing it from making its protective cell wall.
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (itraconazole)
Used for
- Salvage therapy for invasive aspergillosis
- Blastomycosis
- Oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$540.63Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- Get free discount$492.00
- CostcoGet free coupon$528.26
- Rite AidGet free coupon$552.39
What to expect when you take Sporanox (itraconazole) for Fungal Infections
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Liver toxicity
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Sporanox (itraconazole)
- Nausea11%11%
- Rash9%9%
- Vomiting5%5%
- Swelling due to fluid retention4%4%
- Headache4%4%
- Diarrhea3%3%
- Tiredness3%3%
- Fever3%3%
- Itching3%3%
- High blood pressure3%3%
- Lowered liver function3%3%
- Abdominal pain2%2%
- Dizziness2%2%
- Low potassium2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Itraconazole.
People taking Itraconazole felt side effect more
People taking Itraconazole felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Sporanox (itraconazole)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › History of congestive heart failure
Sporanox (itraconazole) shouldn't be used to treat nail fungal infections in people with congestive heart failure as itraconazole because it can make the condition worse.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Sporanox (itraconazole)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Sporanox (itraconazole) has many drug interactions and can't be used together with a lot of other medications. Let your doctor or pharmacist know about all of your medications before starting Sporanox (itraconazole).
- Sporanox (itraconazole) has a lot of drug interactions. Let your doctor or pharmacist know about all of the medications you're taking.
- Sporanox (itraconazole) can be used by people who have kidney problems.