Itraconazol Altan (Itraconazole)

Itraconazole is an azole antifungal used to treat systemic fungal infections by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis.

• Invasive aspergillosis: effective for treatment of life‑threatening lung and disseminated infections caused by Aspergillus species.
• Candidiasis (including candidemia): used to clear bloodstream and deep‑tissue Candida infections.
• Blastomycosis: indicated for severe blastomyces infections affecting lungs and other organs.
• Histoplasmosis: employed in disseminated disease and severe pulmonary involvement.
• Sporotrichosis: treats deep or disseminated Sporothrix infections resistant to oral therapy.

• Itraconazole inhibits the fungal enzyme lanosterol 14α‑demethylase, a cytochrome P450 isoform, preventing conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol. This depletion of ergosterol disrupts fungal cell membrane integrity and impairs growth, leading to fungistatic or fungicidal activity against a broad spectrum of yeasts and molds.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild to moderate upset stomach.
• Vomiting: occasional episodes during infusion.
• Abdominal pain: discomfort in the upper abdomen.
• Headache: transient headache during or after infusion.
• Rash: mild skin erythema or pruritus.
• Elevated liver enzymes: transient increase in ALT/AST.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Hepatotoxicity: severe liver injury requiring monitoring.
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions: including anaphylaxis.
• Cardiac failure: worsening of pre‑existing heart conditions.
• Visual disturbances: blurred vision or photophobia.
• QT prolongation: risk of arrhythmias, especially with other QT‑prolonging drugs.

Precautions for Itraconazol Altan include careful patient assessment and monitoring.

• Liver function monitoring: assess baseline and periodic LFTs during therapy.
• Drug interactions: review concomitant medications for CYP3A4 substrates or inhibitors.
• Cardiac status: avoid in patients with known heart failure.
• Pregnancy and lactation: use only if benefits outweigh potential risks.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Itraconazol Altan may interact with several medicines; clinicians should assess risk.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Rifampin: induces metabolism, markedly lowers itraconazole exposure.
• Ketoconazole: competitive inhibition can raise itraconazole concentrations and toxicity.
• Drugs that prolong QT interval (e.g., quinidine, sotalol): increase risk of cardiac arrhythmias.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin): may increase itraconazole levels.
• CYP3A4 substrates (e.g., midazolam, sirolimus): require dose adjustment and monitoring.