ITRACONAZOLE-Anti-fungal drug

PHARMACOLOGY OF ITRACONAZOLE

INTRODUCTION

Itraconazole invented in 1984, is a triazole antifungal agent prescribed to patient with fungal infections. The drug may be given orally or intravenously

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MECHANISM OF ACTION

Itraconazole interacts with 14 alpha demethylase, a cytochrome P-450 enzyme necessary to convert lanosterol to ergosterol. An ergosterol is an essential component of the fungal cell membrane, inhibition of its synthesis results in increased permeability causing leakage of cellular contents. Itraconazole may also inhibits endogenous respiration, interact with membrane phospholipids inhibit the transformation of yeasts to mycelia phospholipid biosynthesis.

USES

Itraconazole is an azole antifungal medication used to treat a variety of fungal infections.

SIDE EFFECTS

1. Breathing problem

2. Change in hearing

3. Cough up mucus

4. Loss of appetite

5. Right upper belly pain

6. Sudden weight gain

7. Yellowing of the eyes and skin

DRUG DRUG INTERACTION

1. Itraconazole + fluticasone = increase absorption of fluticasone in blood stream

2. Itraconazole + acetaminophen =  increase the blood level of acetaminophen

3. Itraconazole + calcium =  decrease effect of Itraconazole

4. Itraconazole + budesonide = increase absorption of budesonide in blood stream

Reference- Tripathi KD "Essential of medical pharmacology" 7th edition, page no- 787,789,794,795