Itracoe Gel
About Itracoe Gel
Itracoe Gel is mainly used to treat fungal infections. It belongs to the drug group of azole antifungals. This medication helps to treat, control, prevent and improve various kinds of fungal infections by stopping the fungal growth in the body.
The medicine works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, which is an important component of the fungi cell membrane. Other than fungal infections, it can also be used to treat flaky discolored patches on the chest and the back.
Itracoe Gel is prescribed for the treatment of susceptible fungal infections in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients including blastomycosis and histoplasmosis; indicated for aspergillosis, and onychomycosis of the toenail.
It is also indicated against onychomycosis of the fingernail without concomitant toenail infection via a pulse-type dosing regimen; has activity against Aspergillus, Candida, Coccidioides, Cryptococcus, Sporothrix, tinea unguium.
It is also useful in superficial mycoses including dermatophytoses (eg, tinea capitis), pityriasis versicolor, sebopsoriasis, vaginal and chronic mucocutaneous candidiases; systemic mycoses including candidiasis, meningeal and disseminated cryptococcal infections, paracoccidioidomycosis, coccidioidomycoses; miscellaneous mycoses such as sporotrichosis, chromomycosis, leishmaniasis, fungal keratitis, alternariosis, zygomycosis.
Intravenous solution of Itracoe Gel is indicated in the treatment of blastomycosis, histoplasmosis (nonmeningeal), and aspergillosis (in patients intolerant or refractory to amphotericin B therapy).
It is highly advised to the patients who are suffering from any heart, kidney, liver or lung disease to inform the doctor about the same before being prescribed this medicine. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to avoid the use of it and if necessary, consult the doctor.
Any use of antacids or acid blockers must be avoided for a minimum of two hours of taking the medicine as it may reduce efficiency. Since dizziness and blurred vision are one of the common side effects of this drug, it is advised to avoid driving or to engage in any work which involves concentration.
Take as directed, around-the-clock, with food. Take full course of medication; do not discontinue without notifying prescriber. Practice good hygiene measures to prevent reinfection.
If diabetic, test serum glucose regularly (can cause hypoglycemia when given with sulfonylureas). Frequent blood tests may be required with prolonged therapy.
You may experience dizziness or drowsiness (use caution when driving or engaging in tasks that require alertness until response to drug is known); nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking lozenges, or chewing gum may help). Report skin rash or other persistent adverse reactions.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the uses of Itracoe Gel
Invasive Aspergillosis
Esophageal Candidiasis
Vaginal Candidiasis
Fungal Infections (Tinea Strains)
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the contraindications of Itracoe Gel ?
QT Interval prolonging drugs
Congestive Heart Failure (Chf)
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the side effects of Itracoe Gel ?
Headache
Edema (Swelling)
Decreased Libido
Hypertriglyceridemia
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Key highlights of Itracoe Gel
How long is the duration of effect?
The effect of this medication lasts up to 16 to 28 hours.
What is the onset of action?
The peak effect of this medication is observed to be in 2 hours.
Are there any pregnancy warnings?
This medication is not recommended to pregnant women. In the case of absolute necessity, one must consult the doctor and discuss its pros and cons.
Is it habit forming?
It is not reported to be a habit forming drug.
Are there any breast-feeding warnings?
This medication is not recommended for breastfeeding women. In the case of absolute necessity, one must consult the doctor and discuss its pros and cons.
Is It safe with alcohol?
It is advised to avoid the consumption of alcohol while administrating this medication as one of the side effects of this drug is dizziness and blurry eyes, which may be further worsened if alcohol is consumed along with it.
Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?
It is advised to avoid driving after the use of Itracoanzole as dizziness and blurry eyes are its main side effects.
Does this affect kidney function?
Though no major effect on kidney function is reported by the use of this medication, sometimes it may result in side effects like indigestion or change in colour of urine. Itracoe Gel injection is not recommended in patients with Clcr <30 mL/minute
Does this affect liver function?
Though no major effect on liver function is reported by the use of it but it is advised to any person suffering from any prior liver disease to inform the doctor immediately as it may lead to interaction.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the substitutes for Itracoe Gel ?
Below is the list of medicines, which have the same composition, strength and form as Itracoe Gel , and hence can be used as its substitute.
- Caritra Gel
Carise Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the dosage instructions?
Are there any missed dose instructions?
If the patient misses the dose, it is advised to take such dose as soon as it comes to the notice of the patient. If the time of the next scheduled is near then it is advised to skip the missed dose.
Are there any overdose instructions?
If the patient experiences the symptoms of overdose of the drug, he is advised to immediately inform the doctor.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Where is the Itracoe Gel approved?
India
United States
Japan
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
How does this medication work?
This medication is an antifungal. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol which is an important component of the fungi cell membrane by inhibiting cytochrome P450-dependent 14α-demethylase enzyme, thus helps in inhibiting the growth of the organism.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the interactions of Itracoe Gel ?
Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.
- test
Interaction with Alcohol
Interaction with Medicine
- Decreased serum levels with carbamazepine, didanosine, isoniazid, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, and rifampin; may cause a decreased effect of oral contraceptives; alternative birth control is recommended.
- Decreased/undetectable serum levels with rifampin - should not be administered concomitantly with rifampin.
- Absorption requires gastric acidity; therefore, antacids, H2-antagonists (cimetidine and ranitidine), proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole, and sucralfate significantly reduce bioavailability resulting in treatment failures and should not be administered concomitantly; amphotericin B or fluconazole should be used instead.
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Increased toxicity:
- Itraconazole may increase protease inhibitors' serum concentrations.
- May increase cyclosporine or tacrolimus levels (by 50%) when high doses are used.
- Itraconazole increases serum levels of lovastatin (possibly 20-fold) and other HMG-CoA inhibitors due to inhibition of CYP3A4.
- May increase phenytoin serum concentration.
- May inhibit warfarin's metabolism.
- May increase digoxin serum levels.
- May increase astemizole, busulfan, cisapride, terfenadine, and vinca alkaloid levels - concomitant administration is not recommended due to increased risk of cardiotoxicity.
- Itraconazole may increase astemizole levels resulting in prolonged Q-T intervals - concomitant administration is contraindicated.
- Itraconazole may increase levels of cisapride - concomitant administration is contraindicated due to increased risk of cardiotoxicity.
- May increase amlodipine, benzodiazepine, buspirone, corticosteroids, and oral hypoglycemic levels; use with caution in patients prescribed medications eliminated by CYP3A4 metabolism.
Interaction with Disease
Interaction with Food
It is advised to take this medicine capsule with food as it results in better absorption of it. But Itraconazole solution must be taken on an empty stomach.
FAQs about Itracoe Gel
Ques : What is Itracoe Gel?
Ans : This medication is mainly used to treat fungal infections. It belongs to the drug group of azole antifungals.
Ques : How long do I need to use Itracoe Gel before I see improvement in my condition?
Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.
Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Itracoe Gel?
Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.
Ques : Should I use Itracoe Gel empty stomach, before food or after food?
Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.
Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Itracoe Gel?
Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.
Ques : For how long do I need to take Itracoe Gel?
Ans : The dose of this drug will depend on the type and site of infection and your response to the treatment.
Ques : What should I do if I skip a dose of Itracoe Gel?
Ans : If you forget to take your dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the forgotten dose.
Ques : Is Itracoe Gel effective?
Ans : Yes, it is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using this medication early, the symptoms may return or worsen.
References
Itraconazole- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2021 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:
https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/itraconazole
ITRACONAZOLE capsule- Daily Med [Internet]. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3c0843c1-03bb-404d-b539-8680db50a452
Itraconazole 100 mg Capsules- EMC [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk. 2018 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7297/smpc
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Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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