This belongs to the group of medicines known as triazole antifungals.

Sporanox is used to treat a variety of fungal infections including those of the skin and the nails.

Sporanox is also sometimes used to prevent fungal infections occurring in patients with a lowered immune system.

Sporanox is available in capsule (100mg), liquid (10mg/ml) and injection (10mg/ml) form.

It is also sometimes known as: Sporanox. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Why is this drug prescribed?

Sporanox capsules contain the active ingredient itraconazole, which is a type of drug called a triazole antifungal. It is used to treat infections caused by fungi. Itraconazole works by preventing fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. Without ergosterol as part of the cell membrane, the membrane is weakened and damaged, and essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and hence clears up the infection. Itraconazole is used to treat a number of different types of fungal infections, including those of the genitals, mouth and skin. It is also useful for treating systemic fungal infections and to prevent them from developing in people with an underactive immune system. Sporanox capsules are taken by mouth. Alternatively, itraconazole may be administered via a drip into a vein depending on the type and severity of the infection. The length of treatment will also depend on the type and severity of the infection.

Treatments

* Fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, or pityriasis versicolor * Vaginal thrush * Oral thrush * Fungal nail infections * Fungal infection called histoplasmosis * Systemic fungal infections caused by Cryptococcus fungi, including cryptococcal meningitis * Systemic fungal infections caused by Aspergillus fungi * Systemic fungal infections caused by Candida fungi * Preventing systemic fungal infections in people with AIDS or a low white blood cell count.

What side effects can this drug cause?

* Disturbances of the gut such as indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain * Skin reactions such as rash or itching * Alteration in results of liver function tests * Inflammation of the liver * Liver failure * Headache * Dizziness * Disorder of the peripheral nerves causing weakness and numbness * Heart failure * Low blood potassium level * Menstrual disorders * Hair loss * Fluid on the lungs