Itrabond general information

What is Itrabond used for?

Itrabond capsules 100mg are used to treat a variety of superficial and systemic fungal infections in various parts of the body.  Fungal infections that Itrabond 100 is used for include:

• Persistent infections of the skin with pityriasis versicolor, which is caused by the yeast-like fungus malassezia and characterised by rash and patches of flaky skin on the trunk, neck or arms.
• Persistent infections with the fungus tinea (also called ringworm) in various parts of the body including the body (tinea corporis), foot (tinea pedis) and groin (tinea cruris or jock itch).
• Candidiasis (thrush) of the mucus membranes such as in the mouth and vagina, also of the skin.
• Persistent infections of the vagina with the yeast candida (candidiasis).
• Infection of the nail (onychomycosis) with yeast or dermatophyte fungi like tinea.
• Fungal keratitis, an infection of the cornea of the eye by mould fungi like aspergillus or the yeast Candida, resulting in inflammation.
• Systemic fungal infections that can affect internal organs such as histoplasmosis a rare systemic fungal infection from inhalation of a soil fungus into the lung causing flu-like symptoms; also aspergillosis, a lung infection caused by breathing in spores of the mould fungus aspergillus.  These systemic fungal infections are more common in people who are immunocompromised.

How does Itrabond work?

Itrabond capsules 100mg contain itraconazole broad-spectrum antifungal drug belonging to the triazole group of antifungals.  Itraconazole in Itrabond capsules 100mg is a potent and specific inhibitor of fungal enzymes necessary for the synthesis of ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane that is not found in animal cells.  A lack of ergosterol weakens the fungal cell membrane, causing the cell contents to leak out, which kills the fungus.  This prevents the infection from spreading, relieving symptoms caused by the infection, including, itching and inflammation. 

What does Itrabond contain?

Itrabond capsules 100mg contain the active ingredient itraconazole a broad-spectrum antifungal drug, used to treat and prevent a variety of fungal infections.  The capsules are comprised of hard gelatin and contain itraconazole pellets.

Treating fungal infections with Itrabond

Itrabond capsules 100mg contain itraconazole, a broad-spectrum antifungal drug that is used to treat a wide range of superficial and systemic fungal infections, caused by a variety of susceptible fungal species.  Itrabond capsules 100mg specifically inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane, which kills the fungus and stops it spreading; relieving the itching, scaling and other more severe symptoms caused by the fungal infection.  Fungal infections that can be treated with Itrabond 100 include:

• Persistent infections of the skin with pityriasis versicolor, which caused by the yeast-like fungus malassezia and characterised by rash and patches of flaky skin on the trunk, neck or arms.
• Persistent infections with the fungus tinea (also called ringworm) in various parts of the body including the body (tinea corporis), foot (tinea pedis) and groin (tinea cruris or jock itch).
• Candidiasis (thrush) of the mucus membranes such as in the mouth and vagina, also of the skin.
• Persistent infections of the vagina with the yeast candida (candidiasis).
• Infection of the nail (onychomycosis) with yeast or dermatophyte fungi like tinea.
• Fungal keratitis, an infection of the cornea of the eye by mould fungi like aspergillus or the yeast Candida, resulting in inflammation.
• Systemic fungal infections that can affect internal organs such as histoplasmosis a rare systemic fungal infection from inhalation of a soil fungus into the lung causing flu-like symptoms; also aspergillosis, a lung infection caused by breathing in spores of the mould fungus Aspergillus.  These systemic fungal infections are more common in people who are immunocompromised.

Itrabond for thrush

Itrabond capsules 100mg contain itraconazole, a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal agent that is used to treat a variety of fungal infections including thrush or candidiasis, which is caused by the yeast candida albicans.  Although any site on the body can become infected with candida, including the gastrointestinal tract, the most common site of infection are the mucous membranes of the mouth and vagina, with symptoms including creamy/white lesions or discharge and itching or irritation.  Itrabond capsules 100mg specifically inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane, which kills the fungus and stops it spreading.  In this way Itrabond capsules 100mg relieves the symptoms of thrush in all its locations, and prevents constant reinfection in chronic recurrent vaginal thrush.

What are the side effects of Itrabond?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Itrabond capsules 100mg include upset stomach, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rash, headache, constipation, dizziness, menstrual disorders.

When should Itrabond not be used?

You should not use Itrabond capsules 100mg if you:

• are allergic to itraconazole or any ingredients in Itrabond
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have kidney or liver disease
• are taking medicines that interact with Itrabond, including, the antiviral rifampicin, rifabutin or zidovudine; terfenadine or astemizole for allergy, cisapride for reflux, the anticonvulsant phenytoin, the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide, medicines for diabetes such as glipizide, tolbutamide or glibenclamide, theophylline for asthma, the immunosuppressants tacrolimus and cyclosporine, some benzodiazepines such as midazolam, cholesterol lowering drugs like simvastatin and lovastatin, ergotamine for migraine or ergometrine to prevent bleeding after childbirth, the calcium channel blocker nisoldipine for high blood pressure and angina, the antibiotics clarithromycin and erythromycin, the antipsychotic pimozide

What medications interact with Itrabond?

Several medications interact with Itrabond capsules 100mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Itrabond or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Itrabond: cisapride for reflux can cause heart problems
• Drugs that affect Itrabond: the anticonvulsant phenytoin, the antiviral rifampicin, rifabutin or zidovudine; the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide, the antibiotics clarithromycin and erythromycin
• Drugs that are affected by Itrabond: medicines for diabetes such as glipizide, tolbutamide or glibenclamide; theophylline for asthma, immunosuppressants tacrolimus and cyclosporine, some benzodiazepines such as midazolam, cholesterol lowering drugs like simvastatin and lovastatin, ergot alkaloids like ergotamine for migraine or ergometrine to prevent bleeding after childbirth, the calcium channel blocker nisoldipine for high blood pressure and angina, the antipsychotic pimozide

How should Itrabond be taken?

You should take your Itrabond capsules 100mg swallowed whole with a glass of water and with food once or twice daily depending on what you are being treated and on your doctor’s recommendations.  The dose you take and for how long depends on the type and severity of your infection and your doctor’s recommendations.  You should always finish your course of Itrabond 100, which may be for a few days or weeks, if not, the infection may not clear up completely.  

How long should you take Itrabond?

You should always finish your course of Itrabond 100, which may be for a few days or weeks, if not, the infection may not clear up completely.  

Missed dose of Itrabond

If you miss a dose of Itrabond capsules 100mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Itrabond be stored?

You should store your Itrabond capsules 100mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.