Itraconazole

Vulvovaginitis candidamycetica: ED with 2 times 200 mg p.o.

skin mycoses ( tinea): 100-200 mg/day p.o. over 2-4 weeks.

Onychomycosis: Interval therapy week 1, 4 and 7: 2 times/day 100 mg p.o.

System mycoses (peroral therapy): 200-300 mg/day p.o. over 8-10 weeks, maintenance therapy 200 mg/day.

System mycoses (histoplasmosis, aspergillosis, candidiasis, cryptococcosis including cryptococcal meningitis): Day 1 and day 2: 2 times/day 200 mg (60 ml prepared infusion solution) slowly over 1 hour i.v. From day 3: 1 times/day 200 mg slowly over 1 hour i.v.

For children ( off-label use!): 10-20 kg bw: 100 mg every 2nd day; 20-40 kg bw: 100 mg once/day; 40-50 kg bw: 100 mg and 200 mg alternating daily, > 50 kg bw: 200 mg once/day p.o.

Remember! Pregnancy must be ruled out before and up to 4 weeks after the therapy. Women of childbearing age must be adequately protected against contraception during therapy! Itraconazole should only be prescribed for a maximum of 3 months due to potential toxic effects. Applies to both tinea unguium and tinea capitis.

Note: Alternatively, a "low-dose" microencapsulated form can be prescribed (Itraisdin®). In this case the same effect can be achieved with 50 mg as with 100 mg of the conventional preparation.

Notice! For longer use, check liver enzymes at 4-weekly intervals!

Sempera®, Canifug Itra®, Itraisdin® (compared to the standard itraconazole preparations, Itraisdin is given in low doses - 50mg/100mg- due to an improved solubility but characterized by a high bioavailability) It is postulated that 50mg of low-dose itraconazole is as effective as the usual 100mg dose.

1. Seebacher C et al (2006) Tinea capitis. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 4: 1085-1091
2. Seebacher C et al (2007) Tinea of the free skin. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 11: 921-926