Itraconazole Capsules

Description

Itraconazole is an anti-fungal, sometimes prescribed by veterinarians. This medication treats generalized systemic infections and infections of the skin. Itraconazole is primarily effective in combating yeast and fungal organisms. Those fungi strains are the common cause of toenail infection, ringworm (also known as dermatophytes) or skin infection. Itraconazole can also be used to treat cryptococcosis and blastomycosis, serious fungal infections.

How It Works

Itraconazole stops enzymes responsible for the production of ergosterol which is a crucial component of the cell wall of fungus. By rendering the fungus structurally inadequate, it leads to its leakage and death.

Indications

Itraconazole capsules are indicated for the treatment of the following fungal infections in immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised patients:

• Blastomycosis, pulmonary and extrapulmonary
• Histoplasmosis, including chronic cavitary pulmonary disease and disseminated, non- meningeal histoplasmosis, and
• Aspergillosis, pulmonary and extrapulmonary, in patients who are intolerant of or who are refractory to amphotericin B therapy.
• Specimens for fungal cultures and other relevant laboratory studies (wet mount, histopathology, serology) should be obtained before therapy to isolate and identify causative organisms. Therapy may be instituted before the results of the cultures and other laboratory studies are known; however, once these results become available, antiinfective therapy should be adjusted accordingly.

Itraconazole capsules are also indicated for the treatment of the following fungal infections in non-immunocompromised patients:

• Onychomycosis of the toenail, with or without fingernail involvement, due to dermatophytes (tinea unguium), and
• Onychomycosis of the fingernail due to dermatophytes (tinea unguium).
• Prior to initiating treatment, appropriate nail specimens for laboratory testing (KOH preparation, fungal culture, or nail biopsy) should be obtained to confirm the diagnosis of onychomycosis.

Directions

Consult with your veterinarian on appropriate dosage for your pet.

Your pet's dose is determined based on his/her specific needs. Always follow your veterinarian's precise instructions.

Precautions

This medication should be kept from animals and children. If your pet is pregnant, do not administer Itraconazole to them. For dogs with liver disease, use extra caution for administration.

Dogs may begin to feel, act, or look better, but you should still complete the treatment course because this medication is used to treat fungal infections. A longer therapy course is required for fungal infections because they are shown to be more resistant than bacterial infection and therefore require an extended course of therapy. Relapse risk is increased when the prescription is not consumed in its entirety.

Side Effects

Side effects are possible with this medication and may include:

• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Limb swelling
• Vomiting

Storage

Store at 68°F to 77°F; excursions permitted to 59°F to 86°F.