Itraconazole; Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Pragnancy

Last updated: February 7, 2026Reviewed date: February 7, 2026Reading time: 8 min read
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Itraconazole is a synthetic triazole agent with antimycotic properties. Formulated for both topical and systemic use, itraconazole preferentially inhibits fungal cytochrome P450 enzymes, resulting in a decrease in fungal ergosterol synthesis. Because of its low toxicity profile, this agent can be used for long-term maintenance treatment of chronic fungal infections Itraconazole is an...

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

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Article Summary

Itraconazole is a synthetic triazole agent with antimycotic properties. Formulated for both topical and systemic use, itraconazole preferentially inhibits fungal cytochrome P450 enzymes, resulting in a decrease in fungal ergosterol synthesis. Because of its low toxicity profile, this agent can be used for long-term maintenance treatment of chronic fungal infections Itraconazole is an orally administered, triazole antifungal agent used in the treatment of systemic and superficial fungal infections. Itraconazole therapy is associated with transient, mild-to-moderate serum elevations...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Mechanism of Action of Itraconazole in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Indications of Itraconazole in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Therapeutic Indications in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Contra Indications of Itraconazole in simple medical language.
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Itraconazole is a synthetic triazole agent with antimycotic properties. Formulated for both topical and systemic use, itraconazole preferentially inhibits fungal cytochrome P450 enzymes, resulting in a decrease in fungal ergosterol synthesis. Because of its low toxicity profile, this agent can be used for long-term maintenance treatment of chronic fungal infections

Itraconazole is an orally administered, triazole antifungal agent used in the treatment of systemic and superficial fungal infections. Itraconazole therapy is associated with transient, mild-to-moderate serum elevations and can lead to clinically apparent acute drug-induced liver injury.

Mechanism of Action of Itraconazole

Itraconazole interacts with 14-α demethylase, a cytochrome P-450 enzyme necessary to convert lanosterol to ergosterol. As ergosterol is an essential component of the fungal cell membrane, inhibition of its synthesis results in increased cellular permeability causing leakage of cellular contents. Itraconazole is an imidazole/triazole-type antifungal agent. Itraconazole is a highly selective inhibitor of fungal cytochrome P-450 sterol C-14 α-demethylation via the inhibition of the enzyme cytochrome P450 14α-demethylase. This enzyme converts lanosterol to ergosterol and is required in fungal cell wall synthesis. The subsequent loss of normal sterols correlates with the accumulation of 14 α-methyl sterols in fungi and may be partly responsible for the fungistatic activity of fluconazole. Mammalian cell demethylation is much less sensitive to fluconazole inhibition. Itraconazole exhibits in vitro activity against Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida spp. Fungistatic activity has also been demonstrated in normal and immunocompromised animal models for systemic and intracranial fungal infections due to Cryptococcus neoformans and for systemic infections due to Candida albicans.

Indications of Itraconazole

  • Systemic fungal infection
  • Candida urinary tract infections
  • Aspergillosis, aspergilloma
  • Aspergillosis, invasive
  • Blastomycosis
  • Candidemia
  • Coccidioidomycosis
  • Cryptococcal meningitis, immunosuppressed host
  • Cryptococcosis
  • Dermatophytosis
  • Esophageal candidiasis
  • Febrile bacterial infection. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যাকটেরিয়ার বিরুদ্ধে লড়াই করা শ্বেত রক্তকণিকা।" data-rx-term="neutrophil" data-rx-definition="Neutrophil is a white blood cell important for fighting bacterial infection. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যাকটেরিয়ার বিরুদ্ধে লড়াই করা শ্বেত রক্তকণিকা।">neutrophil count, which may increase infection risk. সহজ বাংলা: নিউট্রোফিল কম থাকা, সংক্রমণের ঝুঁকি বাড়তে পারে।" data-rx-term="neutropenia" data-rx-definition="Neutropenia means low neutrophil count, which may increase infection risk. সহজ বাংলা: নিউট্রোফিল কম থাকা, সংক্রমণের ঝুঁকি বাড়তে পারে।">neutropenia
  • Fungal infection prophylaxis
  • Histoplasmosis
  • Microsporidiosis
  • Onychomycosis, Fingernail
  • Onychomycosis, toenail
  • Oral thrush
  • Paracoccidioidomycosis
  • Sporotrichosis
  • Tinea capitis
  • Tinea versicolor
  • Vaginal yeast Infection
  • Aspergillosis
  • Blastomycosis
  • Chromomycosis
  • Coccidioidal meningitis
  • Dermatomycoses
  • Esophageal candidiasis
  • Histoplasmosis
  • Infections, fungal
  • Onychomycosis
  • Oropharyngeal candidiasis
  • Paracoccidioidomycosis
  • Penicillium marneffei infection
  • Pulmonary coccidiosis
  • Sporotrichosis
  • Vulvovaginal candidiasis
  • Disseminated Other specified protozoal diseases

Therapeutic Indications

  • For the treatment of the following fungal infections in immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised patients: pulmonary and extrapulmonary blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, aspergillosis, and onychomycosis.
  • Psittaciformes, Falconiformes, Accipitriformes, Strigiformes, and Anseriformes:
  • For the treatment of aspergillosis.
  • Also for the treatment of candidiasis.
  • Antimycotic active against infections caused by yeasts and fungi
  • Treatment of naevoid basal-cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin syndrome)
  • 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).
  • 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. 

Contra Indications of Itraconazole

  • Have known hypersensitivity to other azole medicines such as itraconazole;
  • Are taking terfenadine, if 400 mg per day multidose of fluconazole is administered;
  • Concomitant administration of itraconazole and quinidine, especially when itraconazole is administered in high dosages;
  • Take SSRIs such as fluoxetine or sertraline.

Dosage of Itraconazole

Dosages may vary in the differant disease condition

INDICATIONS

DOSE

DURATION OF TREATMENT

Gynecological infections:
– Vulvovaginal candidosis

200 mg b.i.d. or

200 mg o.d.

1 day

3 days

Dematological/ophthalmic indications:
– Pityriasis versicolor

200 mg o.d.

7 days

– Tinea corporis, tinea cruris

100 mg o.d. or

15 days or

200 mg o.d.

7 days1

– Tinea pedis, tinea manuum

100 mg o.d.

30 days

– Oral candidiasis

100 mg o.d.

15 days

In some patients with compromised immune systems, such as neutropenic, AIDS or transplant patients, the bioavailability of oral itraconazole may be diminished. In these cases the dose may have to be doubled.

The length of treatment for systemic fungal infections should be dictated by the mycological and clinical response to therapy:

INDICATIONSDOSEAVERAGE DURATIONCOMMENTS
Aspergillosis200 mg o.d.2-5 monthsIncrease dose to 200 mg b.i.d. in the case of widespread infection
Candidiasis100-200 mg o.d.3 weeks-7 months
Non-meningeal cryptococcosis200 mg o.d.10 weeksMaintenance therapy (meningeal cases):

200 mg o.d.

Cryptococcal meningitis200 mg b.i.d.2 months – 6 months
Histoplasmosis200 mg o.d.8 months
200 mg b.i.d.

Side Effects of Itraconazole

The most common 

Common

Rare

Drug Interactions of Itraconazole

Many drugs can interact with itraconazole, and some drugs should not be used together. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially

Never take itraconazole if you

are taking any of the medicines listed below. Dangerous or even life-threatening abnormal heartbeats could result:

  • quinidine
  • dofetilide
  • cisapride
  • pimozide
  • methadone
  • levacetylmethadol

are taking any of the following medicines

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to itraconazole or any of the other ingredients in itraconazole. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of these ingredients.

Pregnancy and lactation of Itraconazole

Itraconazole 100mg Capsules, hard must not be used during pregnancy except for life-threatening cases where the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential harm to the fetus

There is limited information on the use of itraconazole during pregnancy. During post-marketing experience, cases of congenital abnormalities have been reported. These cases included skeletal, genitourinary tract, cardiovascular and ophthalmic malformations as well as chromosomal and multiple malformations. A causal relationship with itraconazole has not been established.

Lactation

A very small amount of itraconazole is excreted in human milk. The expected benefits of itraconazole capsules therapy should, therefore, be weighed against the potential risk of breastfeeding. In case of doubt, the patient should not breastfeed. Women of childbearing potential taking Itraconazole 100mg Capsules, hard should use contraceptive precautions. Effective contraception should be continued until the menstrual period following the end of Itraconazole 100mg Capsules, hard therapy.

References

 

Itraconazole; Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Pragnancy

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Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

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This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Orthopedic / spine specialist, physical medicine doctor, or qualified clinician
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Neurological examination for leg power, sensation, reflexes, and straight leg raise
  • X-ray only if injury, deformity, long-lasting pain, or doctor suspects bone problem
  • MRI discussion if severe nerve symptoms, weakness, bladder/bowel problem, or persistent symptoms
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
  • Is physiotherapy, posture correction, or activity modification needed?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Itraconazole; Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Pragnancy

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

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Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area from the RX Article Professional Blocks panel.

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