Itraconazole: What You Need to Know

If you’ve been prescribed itraconazole, you probably want to know how it works, what infections it fights, and how to use it safely. In plain language, itraconazole is an oral antifungal that stops fungus from growing by messing up its cell wall. Doctors often turn to it for stubborn skin, nail, or lung infections that don’t respond to other meds.

Unlike over‑the‑counter creams, itraconazole is taken by mouth, so it reaches deeper parts of the body. That’s why it’s a go‑to for conditions like aspergillosis, blastomycosis, and onychomycosis (fungal nail infections). If you’re dealing with a fungus that’s hiding under the skin or in the lungs, this pill can get there.

How Itraconazole Works and What It Treats

The drug belongs to a class called triazoles. It blocks an enzyme the fungus needs to build ergosterol, a key component of its cell membrane. No ergosterol, no stable cell wall, and the fungus dies off. Because of this mechanism, itraconazole works against a wide range of fungi, especially Candida and Aspergillus species.

Typical uses include:

• Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis – long‑term lung infection.
• Onychomycosis – nail fungus that’s hard to treat.
• Blastomycosis and histoplasmosis – infections you might get from soil or bird droppings.
• Skin infections that haven’t improved with topical creams.

Always follow your doctor’s diagnosis. Itraconazole isn’t a cure‑all; it’s powerful, but it only works on the fungi it’s designed to target.

Dosage, Safety Tips, and Common Side Effects

Dosage varies by infection. For nail fungus, doctors often start with a 200 mg dose once daily for 12 weeks. For lung infections, the dose might be 200 mg twice daily for several months. Your pharmacist will give you a schedule that matches your condition.

Take the pill with food – a full meal helps absorption. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next one. Don’t double up.

Watch out for interactions. Itraconazole can boost levels of other drugs like certain statins, blood thinners, and some antidepressants. Always tell your doctor about every medication, supplement, or herb you’re using.

Common side effects are mild and include stomach upset, headache, and rash. More serious issues—like liver problems or abnormal heart rhythms—are rare but need immediate medical attention. If you notice yellowing of the skin or dark urine, call your doctor right away.

Because the liver processes itraconazole, getting a baseline liver test before starting and periodic checks during treatment is a good practice. If you have a history of liver disease, your doctor may choose a different antifungal.

Finally, store the medication at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of reach of children.

Bottom line: itraconazole is an effective, oral antifungal for tough infections, but it works best when you follow dosing rules, watch for interactions, and keep an eye on side effects. Have questions? Your pharmacist and doctor are the best sources for personalized advice.