Itraconazole is an antifungal capsule that’s used to treat fungal (or yeast) infections. It’s a type of medication called a triazole.
Fungal nail infections can vary in severity. Sometimes they respond well to pharmacy drugs where the infected part of the nail can be clipped off or filed down, leaving the healthy nail underneath to grow out. Often though, the infections are stubborn and medication is needed for up to a full year, or sometimes longer. [1]
How does Itraconazole work?
Itraconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal medication. This means it works against a wide variety of fungal infections. Nail fungus infections are often caused by a common type of fungi called dermatophytes, which Itraconazole can break down and destroy.
Nail fungus infections don’t tend to clear up on their own. They’re often caused by another condition, such as athlete’s foot, or when fungus enters your nail through cracks. As a capsule, Itraconazole works inside your body, where triazoles can break down the infection from within. Often, nail fungus infections lie deep within the nail bed where topical creams and lacquers can’t get to.
What doses of Itraconazole are there?
Itraconazole is available in 100mg capsules. It can be prescribed in two ways — interval treatment or continuous treatment.
Interval treatment consists of taking 2 capsules twice a day for 1 week, and then going 3 weeks without any medication. The cycle then begins again. This form of treatment is usually recommended for nail fungus affecting your fingernails.
For toenail infections, you’ll likely take 2 capsules daily for three months. A physician can help you decide how best to manage your condition, and you can ask questions throughout your treatment if there’s anything you’re unsure of.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on August 22, 2024. Next review due on August 22, 2027.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
ItraconazoleItraconazole
How to take Itraconazole
Itraconazole capsules need to be swallowed whole with a glass of water, after a meal.
To allow triazoles to work effectively, you need to take them consistently, so it might be best to set a scheduled time each day to take your dose. You’ll risk your infection coming back if you stop taking Itraconazole too soon, so it’s essential you take the full course you’re prescribed.
Does Itraconazole work right away?
Fungal nail infections can take weeks or sometimes months to clear. Itraconazole won’t work overnight, but you might start to see improvements a few weeks in.
As your nail starts to improve, the infected part of it should start to grow out.[1] You can clip the old nail as it continues to grow out. But to avoid spreading the infection, sterilise your nail clippers after using them and avoid sharing them with anyone else. Fungus can also be spread to other people through direct contact with surfaces that it lives on, so be sure to wash your hands after handling clippers.
What should I do if I make a mistake when using Itraconazole?
If you take more Itraconazole than you need, the safest thing to do is go to your nearest casualty department. Bring your medication with you so you can give hospital staff the best idea of how to help you.
There’s never a need to take more capsules than you’ve been prescribed, even if you’ve missed a dose. If you do miss a dose, take your usual dose of Itraconazole as soon as you remember. If you forget to take your capsules and it’s approaching the time when your next dose is due, skip the one you forgot rather than taking two doses within a short space of time.
Treated trusted source:
NHS inform (n.d.). Fungal nail infection symptoms and treatments. www.nhsinform.scot.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on August 22, 2024. Next review due on August 22, 2027.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
ItraconazoleItraconazole
Itraconazole isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.
Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our clinician know, and they can talk with you about it.
ItraconazoleItraconazole
Itraconazole: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How is Itraconazole different from other treatments for nail fungus?
Answer:
Oral antifungal medicines like Itraconazole are generally more effective than topically applied creams or lacquers at treating fungal nail infections, because of their ability to penetrate the nail bed. [1]
Some creams and polishes such as Curanail can work for fungal nails by softening the nail, so the infected part of it can be removed.[2] This is sometimes enough to treat your infection, but a doctor might decide you need more thorough treatment with a triazole to ensure your infection clears.
How effective is Itraconazole?
Answer:
Studies have shown that Itraconazole is a safe long-term treatment for nail fungus infections. [3]
It can sometimes be difficult to penetrate the nail and reach the fungus because of the chemical composition of the nail. Fungi often lie deep within the nail bed, so reaching them with topical treatments might be a challenge. If a clinician recommends you use an oral antifungal, Itraconazole is often an effective choice.
Is Itraconazole similar to any other nail fungus treatments?
Answer:
There’s a branded version of Itraconazole that can also treat nail fungus, called Sporanox. Both drugs work in the same way and contain the same active ingredient. They might just look a little different because they’re produced in different labs, and come in different packaging. Generic treatments like Itraconazole tend to be a bit cheaper than branded ones.
There are other medications that work in a similar way to Itraconazole — Lamisil, the branded version of terbinafine, is another antifungal that is commonly applied for fungal nail, jock itch and athlete’s foot. It works by making holes in the cell membrane of the fungus, which destroys it.
Do I need a prescription for Itraconazole?
Answer:
Some treatments for nail fungus (like creams and polishes) can be bought over the counter, but you’ll need a prescription for Itraconazole.
Because antifungal treatments aren’t suitable for everyone, our doctor will ask questions to make sure Itraconazole is safe for you to use before prescribing it.
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Aug 21, 2024
Published by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr. Joseph Palumbo, Senior Medical Adviser
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
This is healthcare on your terms.
All from the comfort of your device. Get access to what you need, when you need it.
100% online
Ask questions and get expert recommendations, at the touch of a button.
Tailored choices
We'll narrow down some treatments for you to choose from based on your medical profile.
Secure shipping
Receive your treatment by express delivery, in discreet packaging.
Easy automatic refills
Set your own delivery schedule and pause or make changes any time you like.
We're making healthcare more about you. Sign up to our newsletter for personalised health articles that make a difference.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
Dr. Joseph Palumbo
Senior Medical Adviser
Joseph joined Treated in 2023, and is one of the lead doctors providing prescribing services for the platform.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Reviews you can trust
All of our reviews are collected from real patients after their treatment has been delivered.
We publish reviews collected through independent platforms including Reviews.io and Trustpilot.
