Generic Itraconazole

Introduction

Itraconazole is an oral antifungal medication used to treat a range of serious fungal infections. It belongs to the triazole class of antifungals and works by inhibiting fungal cell membrane synthesis. In the United Kingdom, itraconazole is prescribed for conditions such as onychomycosis (fungal nail infection), blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and certain deep‑tissue mycoses where first‑line agents are unsuitable or ineffective. The active compound is itraconazole, and the drug is classified under the anti‑fungal group.

What is Itraconazole?

Itraconazole is the generic version of the original brand Sporanox®, which contains the same active compound, itraconazole. It is produced by several licensed manufacturers; the original product was developed and marketed by Janssen‑Cilag (a Johnson & Johnson company). Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option, delivering the same therapeutic quality as the brand‑named product.

How Itraconazole Works

Itraconazole blocks the enzyme lanosterol 14α‑demethylase, a key step in the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes. Without ergosterol, the membrane becomes porous and unable to maintain cellular integrity, leading to fungal cell death. The drug is fungistatic at lower concentrations and becomes fungicidal at higher levels, especially against dermatophytes and dimorphic fungi. After oral administration, itraconazole is well absorbed when taken with a fatty meal, achieving peak plasma concentrations within 3–5 hours. It is extensively bound to plasma proteins and distributes into skin, nails, and lung tissue, which supports its efficacy in deep‑seated infections. The drug is metabolised primarily by the hepatic CYP3A4 enzyme and eliminated via feces, with a terminal half‑life of 20–30 hours, allowing once‑daily dosing in many regimens.

Conditions Treated with Itraconazole

• Onychomycosis – Chronic infection of toenails or fingernails caused mainly by dermatophytes. In the UK, prevalence rises with age, affecting up to 10 % of people over 60. Itraconazole penetrates nail keratin, offering a non‑surgical cure.
• Blastomycosis – Pulmonary or disseminated infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis. It is rare in the UK but may be imported from endemic regions; itraconazole is recommended as first‑line therapy.
• Histoplasmosis – Caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, often presenting as a chronic lung disease. Itraconazole is the drug of choice for mild‑to‑moderate disease and for maintenance therapy after initial amphotericin B.
• Sporotrichosis – Infection with Sporothrix schenckii, typically acquired through skin injury. Itraconazole provides oral therapy when lesions are extensive or disseminated.
• Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever) – Although uncommon in the UK, travelers returning from endemic areas may require itraconazole for chronic or severe disease.
• Prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients – Itraconazole can be used to prevent fungal infections in patients undergoing bone‑marrow transplantation or receiving high‑dose corticosteroids, when other agents are contraindicated.

Who is Itraconazole For?

• Adults with confirmed fungal infections who require systemic therapy, particularly when the pathogen is known to be susceptible to triazoles.
• Patients with nail fungal disease who prefer oral therapy over long‑term topical agents or surgical nail removal.
• Individuals intolerant to first‑line azoles such as fluconazole or voriconazole due to drug‑specific side effects or resistance.
• Immunocompromised adults (e.g., post‑transplant, chemotherapy) who need prophylactic coverage against opportunistic fungi.
• Patients with hepatic function within acceptable limits (ALT/AST ≤ 2‑3 × ULN) because itraconazole is hepatically metabolised.
• Contraindicated or cautionary groups include patients with known severe hepatic impairment, uncontrolled heart failure (due to potential negative inotropic effects), and those taking strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine) which markedly reduce itraconazole exposure.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea, dyspepsia, or abdominal discomfort.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Mild rash or pruritus.
• Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST) without clinical hepatitis.

Rare

• Peripheral oedema, particularly in patients with cardiac disease.
• Taste disturbances (dysgeusia).
• Photosensitivity reactions.
• Hyponatraemia or electrolyte disturbances.

Serious

• Hepatotoxicity – Clinically significant hepatitis, jaundice, or hepatic failure; requires immediate discontinuation and monitoring.
• Congestive heart failure exacerbation – Itraconazole may cause negative inotropic effects, worsening existing heart failure.
• Severe cutaneous reactions – Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, though extremely uncommon.
• Serious arrhythmias – QT‑prolongation in patients with pre‑existing cardiac conduction disorders or concomitant QT‑prolonging drugs.

Drug‑drug interactions

• Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir) increase itraconazole levels → higher risk of toxicity.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, phenobarbital, St John’s wort) decrease itraconazole exposure → therapeutic failure.
• Co‑administration with drugs that prolong QT interval (e.g., quinidine, certain antiarrhythmics) may enhance arrhythmic risk.
• Statins metabolised by CYP3A4 (e.g., simvastatin, lovastatin) may reach toxic concentrations; dose reduction or substitution is advised.
• Warfarin: Itraconazole may increase INR; close monitoring of coagulation parameters is required.

Patients should provide a full medication list to their prescriber and avoid over‑the‑counter supplements that may affect CYP3A4 activity.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard adult dosing – For onychomycosis, 200 mg once daily for 12 weeks (continuous) or pulse therapy of 200 mg twice daily for one week per month for three months. For systemic mycoses (e.g., blastomycosis), an initial dose of 200 mg twice daily for 3 days, followed by 200 mg once daily for 6–12 months, adjusted by clinical response.
• Administration – Take with a full meal containing at least 20 g of fat to maximise absorption. Capsules should be swallowed whole; the oral solution (if prescribed) should be taken with food as well.
• Missed dose – Take the missed tablet as soon as remembered unless it is within 6 hours of the next scheduled dose; in that case, skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule. Do not double‑dose.
• Overdose – Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and hepatic dysfunction. Seek urgent medical attention; supportive care and monitoring of liver function are the mainstays of treatment.
• Precautions – Avoid alcohol excess, as it may exacerbate hepatic stress. Patients with chronic liver disease should have baseline liver function tests and periodic monitoring during therapy. Grapefruit juice can increase itraconazole concentrations and should be avoided.

Buying Itraconazole from Our Online Pharmacy

Itraconazole can be purchased securely from our online pharmacy in the UK. Our service offers:

• Affordable pricing – Near‑manufacturer cost, substantially lower than many high‑street pharmacies.
• Verified quality – All batches are sourced from licensed overseas suppliers that meet EU‑GMP standards.
• Guaranteed delivery – Discreet packaging with options for 7‑day express service or standard airmail (approximately 3 weeks).
• Online‑only access – Enables patients who face limited local availability or restrictive insurance formularies to obtain the medication safely.

We operate as a pharmacy broker service, partnering with internationally licensed pharmacies and suppliers. This model ensures a discreet, privacy‑respecting experience while maintaining strict quality control.

FAQ

• Is Itraconazole available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes. The original brand‑name product is Sporanox®, while generic itraconazole tablets contain the identical active ingredient and are marketed by multiple manufacturers. Generic versions are typically less expensive and are widely prescribed.

• Does Itraconazole require any special storage conditions?
  Itraconazole tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature (15‑30 °C), protected from moisture and direct sunlight. The oral solution, if used, must be kept in a tightly sealed container and protected from light; refrigeration is not necessary but may be recommended by the supplier.

• Can I travel internationally with itraconazole tablets?
  Yes, provided you carry a copy of the prescription or a physician’s letter confirming medical necessity. Keep the medication in its original packaging, and be aware of the destination country’s import regulations for prescription‑only medicines.

• Are there differences in formulation between UK and US itraconazole products?
  The UK market primarily offers hard gelatin capsules (200 mg) and a liquid oral solution. US formulations may include soft gelatin capsules and a different set of inactive ingredients. Both meet their respective regulatory standards, but excipient variations can affect tolerability in sensitive individuals.

• What are the inactive ingredients in itraconazole capsules?
  Common excipients include gelatin, lactose monohydrate, maize starch, and magnesium stearate. Patients with specific allergies (e.g., lactose intolerance) should discuss alternatives with their clinician.

• Will itraconazole appear on a standard drug test?
  Itraconazole is not typically screened for in routine workplace drug testing, which focuses on substances of abuse. However, specialized antifungal panels used in clinical toxicology can detect it if specifically requested.

• Is itraconazole safe for people of Asian descent?
  Pharmacokinetic studies show similar absorption and clearance across ethnic groups, but some East Asian populations may have a higher prevalence of CYP3A5 polymorphisms that modestly affect metabolism. Dose adjustments are rarely required but should be considered in the context of liver function.

• How does itraconazole compare to fluconazole for systemic infections?
  Itraconazole has a broader spectrum against dimorphic fungi (e.g., Histoplasma, Blastomyces) and better nail penetration, while fluconazole is more active against Candida species and has fewer drug‑interaction concerns. Choice depends on the infecting organism and site of infection.

• Can itraconazole be taken with antacids?
  Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium can reduce itraconazole absorption. It is advisable to separate the intake of antacids and itraconazole by at least 2 hours.

• What should I do if I experience a rash while on itraconazole?
  Mild rashes are common and may not require discontinuation. However, if the rash spreads, is accompanied by fever, or involves mucous membranes, stop the medication and seek urgent medical evaluation, as this could signal a serious cutaneous reaction.

• Is there a risk of resistance developing to itraconazole?
  Long‑term or sub‑therapeutic exposure can select for resistant fungal strains, especially in Candida and Aspergillus species. Adherence to prescribed dosing schedules and completion of the full treatment course reduces this risk.

• Does itraconazole interact with hormonal contraceptives?
  Itraconazole may increase plasma concentrations of estrogen‑containing contraceptives, potentially raising the risk of side effects but generally not reducing contraceptive efficacy. Nonetheless, discussing contraceptive options with a healthcare professional is advisable.

Glossary

Triazole

A class of antifungal agents that inhibit the fungal enzyme lanosterol 14α‑demethylase, disrupting ergosterol synthesis.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolised, and excreted by the body.

CYP3A4

A major liver enzyme that metabolises many drugs; inhibitors increase drug levels, while inducers decrease them.

Hepatotoxicity

Liver damage caused by a medication, detectable through elevated liver enzymes or clinical symptoms such.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Itraconazole is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Itraconazole for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.