Itraconazole is an antifungal medication available under the brand name Sporanox, which is used for treating various fungal infections. It works by stopping the growth of fungi, inhibiting them from making essential components of their cell membrane. By this action, it prevents further infection and hence is effective in conditions such as aspergillosis, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and onychomycosis.

Itraconazole is orally administered, either in the form of capsules or liquid suspension, and is given intravenously in certain instances. The dosage depends on the specific infection being treated and the patient’s overall health. For example, when treating nail infections, patients take 200 mg daily for 3 months, while systemic infections may require higher doses.

It is liver-metabolized and has drug interactions with medications that have a tendency to interact with liver enzymes. Due to the risk of liver toxicity, it should be used cautiously in patients with disorders of the liver. Common adverse reactions associated with itraconazole include nausea, headache, and abdominal pain.

What Are The Side Effects?

  • Common Side Effects. Most people tolerate itraconazole well; however, some can show some minor side effects. The most frequent side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach ache. These usually go away when the body gets used to the medicine; if these symptoms remain, a doctor should be consulted.
  • Liver Effects. Itraconazole is metabolized in the liver and has, on rare occasions, been associated with liver toxicity. Signs of liver damage include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark-colored urine, or unusual tiredness. Liver function tests should be performed on all patients receiving prolonged courses of itraconazole therapy, especially those with liver disease.
  • Itraconazole may have an effect on the heart. Itraconazole has been associated with hypertension and even heart failure in rare circumstances, particularly in patients with predisposing factors to heart conditions. Thus, individuals with heart conditions must use the drug with caution and under keen observation by a healthcare professional.
  • Other Side Effects. Other less common side effects include skin rashes, dizziness, headaches, and swelling in the legs or feet. Very rarely, itraconazole causes allergic-type reactions, which may manifest as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat

Price Range in Canada

It is averagely anticipated that the price range of Itraconazole medication in Canada will fall within CAD 40 to $120 per one-month supply of 100 mg capsules. Normally, it tends to be a little more expensive for oral solution because of the somewhat complicated composition. Prices could vary depending on the location or pharmacy. Prices at online pharmacies are at times a little lower, considering the reduced overheads. For patients without insurance or those paying out-of-pocket, this price range may feel significant, especially in the case of long-term treatments.

Online Availability and Savings

Buying Itraconazole online in Canada can be a bit cheaper compared to the traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacy. Online pharmacies usually give competitive prices and may have sales or discounts that lower the cost even more. For example, some online Canadian pharmacies have Itraconazole capsules for as low as CAD $45 for a 30-day supply. Also, most online pharmacies sell generic versions of Itraconazole, which are cheaper yet very effective.

Considerations for International Buyers

International buyers should note that the importation of some prescription drugs, like Itraconazole, into some countries may be prohibited. For example, USA citizens would have to check with the USA Food and Drug Administration regulations before attempting to purchase from Canadian online pharmacies.

Disclaimer

This page summarizes information associated with medicines and corresponding pharmacokinetic as well as pharmacodynamic characteristics, regulations governing safe application, directives for administration, recommended dosage, diseases that can be cured by them, schedules of generic posology, and other important information. The entire information available is in full accordance with general guidelines, which are available via various sources, such as leaflet from manufacturer of medical products, and are provided entirely for familiarization purposes. The main advice to patients is to take the available materials with key idea in mind that those are direct instructions to be followed without any preceding approval from healthcare provider. Consultation by an experienced expert is still necessary and requires complete abidance at all times. The brand names, as well as names of produced products and producing companies, remain under the copyright of their corresponding owners.