Itraconazole
About Itraconazole
Itraconazole belongs to a class of drugs called antifungals. It is used to treat fungal eye infections such as fungal keratitis and fungal conjunctivitis. Fungal keratitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the cornea (the clear part that covers the pupil and iris) of the eye. Fungal conjunctivitis (pink eye) is the infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva (white part of the eye) and the inner eyelid.
Itraconazole contains Itraconazole which works by inhibiting the production of ergosterol (a main component of cell membranes of fungi). Thereby, weakening and damaging the fungal cell membranes that are essential for their survival as they prevent the entry of unwanted substances into the cells and stop the leakage of cell contents. Thus, it kills fungi and clears the fungal infection.
Use Itraconazole as prescribed by your doctor. Itraconazole is only for ophthalmic (eye) use. You are advised to use Itraconazole for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience eye discharge, blurred vision, eye pain, itching of the eyes, or a burning sensation of the eyes. Most of these side effects of Itraconazole do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Itraconazole or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Itraconazole should be used in children only if prescribed by a doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a doctor before using Itraconazole. Drive only if your vision is clear as Itraconazole may cause temporary blurred vision immediately after using. You are advised to remove contact lenses before using Itraconazole.
Uses of Itraconazole
Medicinal Benefits
Itraconazole is an antifungal used to treat fungal infections of the eye such as fungal keratitis/keratomycosis and fungal conjunctivitis. Itraconazole weakens and damages the fungal cell membranes causing the main components of fungal cells to leak out. Thus, kills fungi and clears the fungal infection. Itraconazole has a broad spectrum of antifungal activity than Ketoconazole. It has fewer side effects with minimal change in intraocular pressure, pupil diameter, and accuracy vision.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- Lie down and tilt your head backwards. Pull your lower eyelid gently with your index finger to form a pocket. Instil the number of drops advised by the doctor into the pocket of the lower eyelid. Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes.
- Please do not touch the container's tip to the eye, eyelids, or surrounding areas, as it may contaminate Itraconazole.
Storage
Side Effects of Itraconazole
- Eye discharge
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Itching of the eyes
- Burning sensation
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Itraconazole or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Itraconazole should be used in children only if prescribed by a doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a doctor before using Itraconazole. Drive only if your vision is clear as Itraconazole may cause temporary blurred vision immediately after using. You are advised to remove contact lenses before using Itraconazole. Do not touch the tip of the container to the eye, eyelids, or surrounding areas as it may contaminate Itraconazole. You are recommended to complete the full course of treatment advised by the doctor as discontinuing Itraconazole suddenly may worsen the infection.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: If you have recently used any medicines containing steroids or are using any other eye medications, please inform your doctor before using Itraconazole.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you had an allergic reaction to any other antifungal medicines.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionInteraction of alcohol with Itraconazole is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Itraconazole.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Itraconazole is given to pregnant women if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult a doctor if you are a breastfeeding mother as Itraconazole is given to breastfeeding women if the doctor thinks the benefits are greater than the risks.
Driving
cautionItraconazole may cause blurred vision or dizziness in some people. Therefore, drive only if you alert after using Itraconazole.
Liver
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Itraconazole in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Itraconazole in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionItraconazole should be used in children only if prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Make sure to remove contact lenses before going to bed and before swimming.
- Handle your contact lenses only with clean hands.
- Replace contact lenses regularly as advised by your doctor.
- Never use distilled solutions or water for cleaning contact lenses. Use the right type of cleaning solution.
- Sleep for a minimum of 6 to 8 hours to rejuvenate your eyes naturally.
- Wash your eyes with clean water at least two to three times a day. Do not wash your eyes if you have undergone any eye surgery for at least 2 weeks.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Fungal Keratitis/Keratomycosis: It is an inflammatory condition affecting the cornea (the clear part that covers the pupil and iris) of the eye. The infection is caused by a fungus such as Candida, Aspergillus, or Fusarium. The symptoms include sensitivity to light, red eyes, vision changes, eye discharge, or excessive tearing. It mostly affects people wearing contact lenses.
Fungal conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is the infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva (white part of the eye) and the inner eyelid. It is caused by Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Coccidio immitis, Rhinosporidium seeberi, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Blastomyces dermatitidis. The factors causing fungal conjunctivitis include bathing in stagnant water, prolonged use of topical or oral steroids, chronic use of topical broad-spectrum antibiotics, shared cosmetics, and immunocompromised status (diabetes, HIV, use of immunosuppressive drugs). The symptoms include redness, itching, irritation, and eye discharge.
FAQs
Itraconazole belongs to a class of drugs called antifungals. It is used to treat fungal eye infections such as fungal keratitis and fungal conjunctivitis.
Itraconazole works by weakening and damaging the fungal cell membranes. Thereby, it causes the main components of fungal cells to leak out and kills fungi, and clears the fungal infection.
You are not recommended to wear contact lenses while using Itraconazole. You are advised to remove contact lenses before using Itraconazole and reinsert them after 15 minutes of using Itraconazole. Also, inform your doctor if you experience pain, stinging or abnormal sensation in the eye after using Itraconazole.
Itraconazole may cause temporary blurred vision immediately after using. Therefore, you are recommended to wait until your vision is clear before driving or operating machinery.
You are recommended to use Itraconazole for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if the condition persists or worsens after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment with Itraconazole, please consult a doctor.
You are not recommended to stop using Itraconazole without consulting your doctor as it may worsen the infection. Therefore, use Itraconazole for as long as your doctor has prescribed it and if you experience any difficulty while using Itraconazole, please consult your doctor.
