Sporanox Treatment

Sporanox is used to treat several types of fungal infections. Histoplasmosis, blastomycosis and aspergillosi are serious infections that can work their way into other parts of the body like the mouth, lungs, throat, fingernails and toenails. The antifungal medicine, Sporanox, interferes with the formation of the fungal cell membranes, effectively killing sensitive fungi.

Instructions

• Take exactly as much Sporanox as the doctor prescribes. The medication comes in capsule or liquid form. The capsule should be taken after a full meal, whereas the liquid must be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before a meal or two hours afterward. Instead of immediately swallowing the liquid, swish it around your mouth for a few seconds first. Use a dose-measuring cup or spoon to measure the liquid, as opposed to a tablespoon.

  Even if you stop experiencing symptoms, continue to take the medication until it runs out to ensure that the infection is adequately treated. Store Sporanox at room temperature in a dark and dry place. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's close to the time you're supposed to take another dose, skip the missed one. Don't take extra medication to make up for missing a dose.

Allergies

• If you experience allergic reactions to medications such as itraconazole, ketoconazole (Nizoral) or fluconazole (Diflucan), don't take Sporanox. The same precaution applies to people who have had congestive heart failure or are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Inform your physician if you have a history of stroke, heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, circulation problems, a breathing disorder such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, kidney or liver disease or a history of "Long QT syndrome." You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to determine if you can safely take Sporanox.

Drug Interactions

• Patients should not take Sporanox if they're already taking dofetilide (Tikosyn), ergonovine (Ergotrate), cisapride (Propulsid), nisoldipine (Sular), pimozide (Orap), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), lovastatin (Altocor, Altoprev, Mevacor), ergotamine (Ergomar), methylergonovine (Methergine), midazolam (Versed), simvastatin (Zocor), quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex, Quin-Release) or triazolam (Halcion).

  Other medications may interact with Sporanox, so inform your doctor of any medications you're taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications--supplements, vitamins, herbs and minerals included. Women who are planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding should also inform their doctor.