Itraconazole

What is Itraconazole?

Itraconazole is an antifungal capsule that’s used to treat fungal (or yeast) infections. It’s a type of medication called a triazole, and is usually recommended for fungal nail infections that haven’t responded to medicated lacquers and improved foot hygiene.

Fungal nail infections can vary in severity. Sometimes they respond well to over the counter treatments where the infected part of the nail can be clipped off or filed down, leaving the healthy nail underneath to grow out. Often though, the infections are stubborn and medication is needed for up to a full year, or sometimes longer.^[1]

How does Itraconazole work?

Itraconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal medication. This means it works against a wide variety of fungal infections. Fungal nail infections are often caused by a common type of fungi called dermatophytes, which Itraconazole can break down and destroy.

Fungal nail infections don’t tend to clear up on their own. They’re often caused by having a condition such as athlete’s foot, or when fungus enters your nail through cracks. If topical treatments aren’t clearing your infection, you might be prescribed Itraconazole. As a capsule, this works inside your body, where triazoles can break down the infection from within. Often, fungal nail infections lie deep within the nail bed where topical creams and lacquers can’t get to.

What doses of Itraconazole are there?

Itraconazole is available in 100mg capsules. It can be prescribed in two ways — interval treatment or continuous treatment.

Interval treatment consists of taking 2 capsules twice a day for 1 week, and then going 3 weeks without any medication. The cycle then begins again. For toenail infections (which are more commonly affected by fungi), three cycles are usually recommended. For fingernail infections, you might only need two cycles.

If you’re advised to use Itraconazole continuously to treat your fungal nail infection, you’ll take 2 capsules daily for three months. A clinician can decide how best to manage your condition, and you can ask questions throughout your treatment if there is anything you’re unsure of.

How to take Itraconazole

Itraconazole capsules need to be swallowed whole with a glass of water, with or immediately after a meal.

To allow triazoles to work effectively, you need to take them consistently, so it might be best to set a scheduled time each day to take your dose. You’ll risk your infection coming back if you stop taking Itraconazole too soon, so it’s essential you take the full course you’re prescribed.

Does Itraconazole work right away?

Fungal nail infections that aren’t responding to topical treatments can take weeks or sometimes months to clear. Itraconazole won’t work overnight, but you might start to see improvements a few weeks in.

As your nail starts to improve, the infected part of it should start to grow out.^[1] You can clip the old nail as it continues to grow out. But to avoid spreading the infection, sterilise your nail clippers after using them and avoid sharing them with anyone else. Fungus can also be spread to other people through direct contact with surfaces that it lives on, so be sure to wash your hands after handling clippers.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Itraconazole?

If you take more Itraconazole than you need, the safest thing to do is go to your nearest casualty department. Bring your medication with you so you can give hospital staff the best idea of how to help you.

There’s never a need to take more capsules than you’ve been prescribed, even if you’ve missed a dose. If you do miss a dose, take your usual dose of Itraconazole as soon as you remember. If you forget to take your capsules and it’s approaching the time when your next dose is due, skip the one you forgot rather than taking two doses within a short space of time.