Side Effects of itraconazole: A Synthesis of Findings from 18 Studies

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This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).

Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Itraconazole is a commonly used antifungal medication for treating various fungal infections like onychomycosis, a nail fungal infection. This drug is generally safe and effective, although certain side effects have been reported. 5 ,

Reasons for Side Effects

The side effects of itraconazole can be attributed to its mechanism of action and individual patient factors. Itraconazole works by interfering with the synthesis of fungal cell membranes, which can potentially affect human cell membranes and lead to adverse reactions.

Common Side Effects

Liver Dysfunction

Since itraconazole is metabolized in the liver, it can cause liver damage. Signs of liver dysfunction include jaundice, appetite loss, and fatigue. 5

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Itraconazole may lead to gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. 5

Headache

Headaches are a potential side effect associated with itraconazole. 5

Dizziness

Itraconazole can cause dizziness.

Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels in the blood, is a rare side effect of itraconazole. Symptoms include muscle fatigue, weakness, and cramps.

Skin Reactions

Some patients may experience skin reactions like rash, itching, and redness. 5

Cardiovascular Side Effects

Cardiovascular issues like arrhythmias, angina pectoris, and myocardial infarction can occur in some cases. 5

Drug Interactions

Itraconazole can interact with other medications, making it important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking before starting itraconazole. 13

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Liver Dysfunction

Regular liver function tests are crucial for monitoring liver health. If abnormalities are detected, consult your doctor. 5

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Adjusting your diet, such as eating smaller meals, can help mitigate gastrointestinal problems. You can also discuss with your doctor about taking anti-nausea or digestive aid medications. 5

Headache

Consult your doctor about taking over-the-counter pain relievers if headaches are bothersome. 5

Dizziness

Rest if you experience dizziness. Your doctor can also prescribe anti-vertigo medication if necessary.

Hypokalemia

Include potassium-rich foods in your diet to help prevent low potassium levels. Some good sources of potassium include bananas, oranges, and spinach.

Skin Reactions

If you develop skin reactions, contact your doctor for advice. Applying cool compresses can provide relief. 5

Cardiovascular Side Effects

If you experience any cardiovascular issues, seek immediate medical attention. 5

Drug Interactions

Always inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to prevent potential drug interactions. 13

Comparison between Studies

Commonalities among Studies

Multiple research studies have consistently indicated that itraconazole can cause side effects such as liver dysfunction and gastrointestinal problems. 5 ,

Differences among Studies

The incidence and types of side effects may differ between studies, which could be attributed to variations in the study population and methodology.

Cautions Regarding Application to Real Life

While itraconazole is an effective treatment for fungal infections, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects. If you have a higher risk of liver dysfunction, consult your doctor to discuss the appropriate dose and duration of treatment. 5

Limitations of Current Research

The research on itraconazole's side effects is still limited. Further studies are needed to gain a better understanding of long-term and rare side effects.

Future Directions for Research

Long-term follow-up studies and clinical trials are essential for a more comprehensive understanding of itraconazole's side effects. Research into the mechanisms of these side effects and the development of safer drugs is also crucial.

Conclusion

Itraconazole is a valuable treatment option for fungal infections, but it is essential to be aware of its potential side effects. If you are at a higher risk of liver dysfunction or gastrointestinal problems, consult your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment. 5

Keywords

Benefit Keywords

Risk Keywords

Literature analysis of 18 papers

Positive Content

Neutral Content

Negative Content

Article Type

Randomized Controlled Trial3

Meta-Analysis0

Systematic Review1

Review1

Journal Article13

Tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton violaceum in an immunocompetent elderly patient: A case report and review of literature.

Author: GheisariMehdi, ZahediKhatere, Al-ZubaidiNabaa

Tinea capitis treatment

This case report describes an immunocompetent elderly female with inflammatory tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton violaceum, reviewing the literature to describe the disease, its epidemiology, and treatment options.

Language : English

In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Selected Essential Oils against Drug-Resistant Clinical Aspergillus spp. Strains.

Author: AllizondValeria, CavalloLorenza, RoanaJanira, MandrasNarcisa, CuffiniAnna Maria, TullioVivian, BancheGiuliana

Antimicrobial role

Aspergillosis treatment

Resistance

Side effects

This article highlights the increasing interest in essential oils (EOs) as potential antifungal agents for the treatment of aspergillosis, due to the rising side effects and resistance associated with conventional antifungal drugs.

Language : English

5-aminolevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy for a refractory severe kerion: A case report.

Author: LiFeng, HeJia, YangTing, LiSi, LiuLi, HuangQing, DuanXi

Kerion treatment

Kerion is a severe form of tinea capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp. Oral antifungal medications are the first-line treatment for kerion, but these medications can have side effects and may not be effective for all patients. This article describes a case of a child who was successfully treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) for refractory kerion. PDT involves using a light-sensitive drug and light to kill the fungus. This case suggests that PDT may be a promising alternative treatment for kerion.

Language : English

[Recurrent tinea corporis generalisata due to Terbinafine-resistant Trichophyton rubrum strain : Long-term treatment with super bioavailability itraconazole].

Author: NenoffPietro, StahlMaren, SchallerMartin, BurmesterAnke, MonodMichel, EbertAndreas, UhrlaßSilke

Itraconazole efficacy

Tinea corporis treatment

Itraconazole side effects

Terbinafine resistance

This case report describes the treatment of a patient with recurrent and therapy-refractory dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum. The patient developed terbinafine resistance, confirmed by in vitro testing and sequencing of the squalene epoxidase gene. Itraconazole, in the form of SUBA itraconazole, was ultimately successful in suppressing the dermatophytosis.

Language : German

Retrospective Analysis of Liver Enzyme Abnormalities in Patients Prescribed Terbinafine and Itraconazole for Onychomycosis.

Author: EtgüFatma

OM treatment adherence

Terbinafine and itraconazole safety

Liver transaminase elevation

This retrospective study evaluated the effect of terbinafine and itraconazole on liver transaminases, side effects, and patient adherence to systemic treatment of onychomycosis (OM). The study found that terbinafine and itraconazole can be used with close follow-up and regular laboratory monitoring for liver toxicity. No patients discontinued treatment due to hepatotoxicity.

Language : English

A Case of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis With Failure of Benralizumab and Response to Dupilumab.

Author: KotetsuYasuaki, OgataHiroaki, ShaKachi, MoriwakiAtsushi, YoshidaMakoto

ABPA remission

Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-4 and IL-13, may be an effective therapeutic option for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in patients unresponsive to other treatments. This case report suggests its potential use in ABPA, but further research is needed.

Language : English

Prolonged Itraconazole Therapy as Sole Treatment for Patients with Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis.

Author: ShahB, KajalS, BhallaA S, MadanK, ViswanathanG K, ThakarA, SikkaK, BairwaM, VermaH

Steroid side effects

This review discusses the current treatment options for allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS). Systemic antifungals are explored as a potential primary treatment alternative to surgical debridement and steroids.

Language : English

Repurposing Drugs in Controlling Recurrent Platinum-Resistant Clear-Cell Ovarian Cancer.

Author: SinsuwanWoraporn, NorchaiPhawit

Improved quality of life

Increased survival

Reduced tumor markers

Drug repurposing risks

Increased lymph nodes

This case report presents a 41-year-old Thai female with recurrent platinum-resistant clear-cell ovarian cancer (PRCCC) who received repurposed conventional drugs as alternative treatment. The patient experienced a decline in tumor marker levels and improved quality of life, suggesting potential benefit from this approach.

Language : English

Itraconazole Improved Bronchial Wall Thickness in Severe Persistent Asthma: A Double-blind Placebo-controlled Randomized Clinical Trial.

Author: AligolighasemabadiFarnaz, MirsadraeeMajid, SadeghdoustMohammadamin, GhaffariShadi, Sarafraz YazdiMohammad, NaghibiSaeed, Hashemi AttarAmirhossein

Improved asthma control

Reduced airway wall thickness

This clinical trial evaluated the effects of itraconazole on airway wall thickness in patients with severe persistent asthma. Itraconazole treatment for 8 months significantly reduced bronchial wall thickness and improved clinical findings and pulmonary function tests. While prednisolone was also effective, itraconazole had fewer side effects.

Language : English

10.

Efficacy and Safety of Adding Low-Dose Isotretinoin to Itraconazole in the Treatment of Chronic Recurrent Dermatophytosis among Sample of Iraqi Patients: An Open-Labelled Therapeutic Clinical Comparative Study.

Author: AlhamdiDooha K, AlhamdiKhalil I

Dermatophytosis treatment

Dermatophytosis, a fungal infection of the skin, is becoming more common, with unusual presentations and resistance to conventional treatments. Isotretinoin, a vitamin A derivative, combined with itraconazole, an antifungal medication, is a promising treatment option for these challenging cases.

Language : English

11.

Q-switched Nd:YAG laser versus itraconazole pulse therapy in treatment of onychomycosis: A clinical dermoscopic and mycologic study.

Author: NasifGhada A, AminAliaa A, RagaieMaha H

Onychomycosis treatment

Side effects

Onychomycosis (OM) represents about 50% of nail disorders. Oral antifungals have proven efficacy in treating OM, but their side effects limit their use. This study highlights the need for a safe and effective therapy to clear OM and improve nail appearance.

Language : English

12.

Itraconazole-Loaded Ufasomes: Evaluation, Characterization, and Anti-Fungal Activity against Candida albicans.

Author: HashemSara M, GadMary K, AnwarHend M, SalehNeveen M, ShammaRehab N, ElsherifNoha I

Fungal infection treatment

Improved penetration

Reduced inflammation

This study designed ufasomes, oleic acid-based colloidal carriers, to improve the penetration power of itraconazole (ITZ), an antifungal drug. The optimized ITZ-loaded ufasomes showed a 99.4% encapsulation efficiency, 190 nm particle size, and -81.6 mV zeta potential. In vitro studies demonstrated a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.0625 μg/mL against Candida albicans. The optimized formula also reduced the expression of toll-like receptors-4 and IL-1β secretion, suggesting promising drug delivery potential for ITZ.

Language : English

13.

Drug interactions between common dermatological medications and the oral anti-COVID-19 agents nirmatrelvir-ritonavir and molnupiravir.

Author: QuahKathleen Shu En, HuangXiaoling, ReniaLaurent, OonHazel H

COVID-19 treatment

drug-drug interactions

Oral antiviral agents nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (NMV/r) and molnupiravir are used for treating mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection in outpatients. NMV/r, however, has significant drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with commonly prescribed medications. This review summarizes available data on DDIs between NMV/r, molnupiravir, and dermatological medications, highlighting potential side effects and suggesting strategies for safe COVID-19 treatment in the context of emerging variants and widespread use of oral therapies.

Language : English

14.

Correlation of plasma levels of itraconazole with treatment response at 4 weeks in chronic dermatophytosis: Results of a randomised controlled trial.

Author: BhalaviHitesh, ShawDipika, MehtaHitaishi, NarangTarun, SachdevaNaresh, ShafiqNusrat, RudramurthyShivaprakash M, DograSunil

Dermatophytosis cure

Itraconazole is a common treatment for dermatophytosis, but the efficacy of different brands varies. A study of 100 patients with chronic dermatophytosis found that cure rates were higher with the innovator drug than with multinational and local generic brands. However, plasma levels of the drug were comparable between the three groups, suggesting that other factors may be at play in determining treatment response.

Language : English

15.

Feline sporotrichosis successfully treated with methylene blue-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and low doses of itraconazole.

Author: CabralFernanda V, SelleraFábio P, RibeiroMartha S

Feline sporotrichosis treatment

Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection that can affect cats and humans. Feline sporotrichosis can be difficult to treat with traditional antifungals. This case report describes a cat with sporotrichosis that was successfully treated with a combination of methylene blue-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (MB-APDT) and itraconazole. This approach shows promise as an alternative treatment for feline sporotrichosis, but further research is needed.

Language : English

16.

Efficacy and safety of miconazole muco-adhesive tablet versus itraconazole in oropharyngeal candidiasis: A randomized, multi-centered, double-blind, phase 3 trial.

Author: WangYufeng, ZhouHaiwen, WangWenmei, DuanNing, LuoZhixiao, ChaiHongbo, JiangLu, ChenQianming, LiuJinli, HuaHong, YanZhimin, FanYuan, XuJuanyong, GuanXiaobing, WangHongjian, LuHongzhou, LunWenhui, FeiWei, ZhangTong, ZhaoJizhi, JiaChunling, KongHui, ShenXuemin, LiuQing, WangWeizhi, TangGuoyao

Clinical cure

Mycological cure

This multi-centered, double-blinded, phase III trial found that once-daily treatment with miconazole buccal tablets was non-inferior to itraconazole with higher mycological cure rates and was tolerable with mild adverse events in patients with oropharyngeal candidiasis.

Language : English

17.

Pitavastatin and Ivermectin Enhance the Efficacy of Paclitaxel in Chemoresistant High-Grade Serous Carcinoma.

Author: NunesMariana, DuarteDiana, ValeNuno, RicardoSara

Cancer treatment

Chemoresistance

Synergistic effect

Chemotherapy interruption

Side effects

This study explored the synergistic cytotoxic effects of Paclitaxel combined with repurposed drugs in chemoresistant high-grade serous carcinoma cell lines. The findings suggest that Pitavastatin and Ivermectin could be promising drug combinations for high-grade serous carcinoma management.

Language : English

18.

Co-Delivery of Repurposing Itraconazole and VEGF siRNA by Composite Nanoparticulate System for Collaborative Anti-Angiogenesis and Anti-Tumor Efficacy against Breast Cancer.

Author: JinMingji, ZengBowen, LiuYanhong, JinLili, HouYan, LiuChao, LiuWei, WuHao, ChenLiqing, GaoZhonggao, HuangWei

Anti-angiogenesis

Antitumor efficacy

This study developed composite nanoparticles co-loaded with itraconazole (ITZ) and VEGF siRNA to investigate their anti-angiogenesis efficacy and synergistic anticancer effect against breast cancer. The nanoparticles effectively silenced VEGF-related expressions, inhibited tumor growth, and exhibited low toxicity and side effects.

Language : English

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