Itraconazole

Description

Itraconazole is used to treat fungal infections. It works by blocking the forma

tion of the cell membrane of fungal cells by inhibiting the enzyme. It belongs to the anti-fungal class of medicines. Itraconazole is available in the form of tablets, capsules, oral powder, injection, eye drops, eye ointment, eye/ear drops, cream, gel, dusting powder, and soap. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding and about all the medicines and supplements you take and all the conditions or diseases you suffer from, before starting itraconazole.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses

Itraconazole is used to treat fungal infection of the skin, mouth, eyes, nails, etc

Contraindications

When should one not use Itraconazole

You are allergic to itraconazole or similar medicines
If you have any heart related problems
If you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Injection/applications site reactions

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I use itraconazole during pregnancy?

Itraconazole must not be used during pregnancy. While taking this medicine, proper birth control measures should be taken during & after treatment for at least for 2 months after the final dose.

Breast Feeding

Can I use itraconazole while breastfeeding?

Itraconazole passes into breast milk in low amounts. Thus, your doctor will decide of either discontinuing the medicine or the breastfeeding after assessing the potential risk on breastfeeding infant over risk of delayed treatment on breastfeeding mother.

Driving

Can I drive if I have used itraconazole?

You may experience dizziness after taking itraconazole. thus you should be cautious while driving

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with itraconazole?

Avoid consuming alcohol while taking itraconazole as it may worsen the side effects.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You had or have heart problems like heart failure, heart attack, etc
You have problems with your liver or kidney
You experience shortness of breath, unexpected weight gain, swollen legs or stomach or tiredness.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Itraconazole works by blocking the formation of the cell membrane of the fungus by inhibiting an enzyme, thus the fungi stop multiplying or die because of the non-formation of the complete cell membra...

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Some medicines can affect the way itraconazole works, or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements, or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
Especially if you are taking medicines to treat your heart problems, diabetes, cancer, HIV infection, blood cholesterol problems, mental health problems, migraine, fits, allergy

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Mansi Savla

B. Pharm, PharmD

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: In which all dosage form is itraconazole available?

A: Itraconazole is available in the form of tablet, capsule, oral powder, injection, eye drops, eye ointment, eye/ear drops, cream, gel, dusting powder, soap.

Q: Is itraconazole an antibiotic?

A: No, itraconazole is not an antibiotic, it is an anti-fungal medicine.

Q: What is Itraconazole used for?

A: Itraconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat various fungal infections of the skin, nails, mouth, and internal organs. It is commonly prescribed for conditions such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, fungal nail infections, candidiasis, and certain systemic fungal infections. It works by stopping the growth of fungi and preventing the infection from spreading.

Q: How does Itraconazole work?

A: Itraconazole works by blocking a substance that fungi need to produce their cell membranes. Without this substance, the fungal cells cannot survive or grow, which helps the body fight the infection and gradually clears the symptoms.

Q: What are the common side effects of Itraconazole?

A: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhoea, headache, or mild skin rash. Rare but serious side effects include liver problems, heart failure, severe allergic reactions, or changes in heart rhythm. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe fatigue, swelling, or shortness of breath.

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Last Updated on: 17 Sep 2025 | 01:58 AM (IST)

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Disclaimer

The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.