Buy Generic Itraconazole Online

Generic Itraconazole Information

Introduction

Itraconazole is an oral antifungal medication used to treat a variety of systemic and superficial mycotic infections. It belongs to the triazole class of antifungals and is marketed globally under several brand names. In Hong Kong, itraconazole is prescribed for infections that are difficult to eradicate with older agents such as terbinafine or fluconazole. The active compound is itraconazole, and the medication group is Anti‑Fungal. It is also employed off‑label for certain endemic mycoses and for chronic pulmonary fungal infections when other therapies fail.

What is Itraconazole?

Itraconazole is the generic version of Sporanox, a brand that was originally launched by Janssen Pharmaceutica. Both contain the same active compound, itraconazole, and provide equivalent antifungal potency. Our online pharmacy offers this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option for patients in Hong Kong. Itraconazole is formulated as hard gelatin capsules (200 mg) and as an oral solution (10 mg /mL) for patients who cannot swallow capsules. The drug was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1992 and subsequently received approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Hong Kong Department of Health.

How Itraconazole Works

Itraconazole inhibits the fungal enzyme lanosterol 14α‑demethylase, a cytochrome P450‑dependent protein essential for converting lanosterol to ergosterol. Ergosterol is a key component of the fungal cell membrane; its depletion leads to increased membrane permeability, impaired cell growth, and eventual fungal cell death. The inhibition is fungistatic against most yeasts and molds, but fungicidal at high concentrations for certain species. Itraconazole has a high affinity for fungal cell membranes and accumulates preferentially in keratinous tissues, making it especially useful for dermatophyte infections. After oral administration, peak plasma concentrations are reached within 3–5 hours under fasting conditions; food, especially fatty meals, enhances absorption of the capsule formulation.

Conditions Treated with Itraconazole

• Dermatophytosis (tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea pedis, onychomycosis). Itraconazole’s high keratin binding yields sustained drug levels in skin, nails, and hair.
• Blastomycosis and Histoplasmosis. Both are endemic mycoses in certain regions of Asia and respond well to itraconazole after initial amphotericin B therapy.
• Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever). Itraconazole is used for chronic pulmonary disease when fluconazole is ineffective.
• Paracoccidioidomycosis. Limited data from South‑East Asian cohorts support itraconazole as first‑line oral therapy.
• Aspergillus infections (non‑invasive, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis). Itraconazole is an alternative to voriconazole for patients with hepatic intolerance.
• Sporotrichosis. Oral itraconazole is the treatment of choice for cutaneous and lymphocutaneous disease.

In Hong Kong, the prevalence of dermatophytosis and onychomycosis is high due to humid climate, and itraconazole offers a short, effective oral regimen that circumvents the need for prolonged topical therapy.

Who is Itraconazole For?

• Adults with confirmed systemic or superficial fungal infections where first‑line agents are contraindicated, ineffective, or not tolerated.
• Patients requiring short‑course, high‑dose therapy for onychomycosis (e.g., pulse dosing).
• Individuals with hepatic impairment must be evaluated carefully; mild to moderate dysfunction may be managed with dose adjustment, while severe liver disease is a contraindication.
• Patients taking CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin, certain antiretrovirals) should avoid itraconazole unless benefits outweigh risks, as drug levels can rise to toxic ranges.
• Pregnant or lactating women are generally excluded because animal studies have shown teratogenic effects; alternative agents are preferred.

Conversely, itraconazole is not appropriate for patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug, or for those with uncontrolled heart failure when receiving the oral solution (which contains ethanol and propylene glycol).

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort
• Headache or dizziness
• Mild elevation of liver enzymes (ALT, AST)

Rare

• Photosensitivity rash
• Peripheral edema
• Taste disturbances (dysgeusia)

Serious

• Hepatotoxicity, including severe hepatitis and hepatic failure
• Congestive heart failure exacerbation (particularly with the oral solution)
• Severe drug‑drug interactions leading to arrhythmias or respiratory depression

Drug–Drug Interactions

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin) → ↑ itraconazole plasma levels, risk of toxicity.
• CYP3A4 inducers (rifampicin, carbamazepine, St. John’s wort) → ↓ itraconazole levels, risk of therapeutic failure.
• Statins (simvastatin, lovastatin) → ↑ risk of myopathy; consider dose reduction or alternative lipid‑lowering agents.
• Anticoagulants (warfarin) → potentiated anticoagulant effect; monitor INR closely.
• Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus) → increased concentrations; dose adjustments required.

Patients should provide a complete medication list to their healthcare provider before initiating itraconazole.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard adult dosing (capsules):

  • Dermatophyte infections: 200 mg once daily for 1 week, then 200 mg twice daily for another week (pulse therapy).
  • Onychomycosis: 200 mg twice daily for 1 week a month, repeated for 2–3 months (pulse regimen).
  • Systemic mycoses (blastomycosis, histoplasmosis): 200 mg twice daily continuously for 6–12 weeks, followed by maintenance as required.

• Oral solution: 100 mg twice daily with food, used when capsule absorption is uncertain.

• Missed dose: Take the missed dose as soon as remembered if it is within 6 hours; otherwise skip and resume the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

• Overdose: Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and hepatic dysfunction. Seek immediate medical attention; supportive care and activated charcoal may be administered in a clinical setting.

• Precautions:

  • Take capsules with a full glass of water on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) to maximize absorption; the solution should be taken with food.
  • Avoid alcohol and grapefruit juice, both of which can increase itraconazole concentrations.
  • Monitor liver function tests before treatment, after 2 weeks, and periodically thereafter.

Buying Itraconazole from Our Online Pharmacy

Itraconazole can be purchased safely from our online pharmacy in Hong Kong. We source the generic product from internationally licensed suppliers who meet stringent quality‑control standards, ensuring that each capsule contains the exact 200 mg of itraconazole as stated on the label.

Service strengths

• Affordable pricing – Our cost structure mirrors manufacturer‑level pricing, passing savings directly to patients.
• Verified quality – All batches are accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from the original manufacturer.
• Guaranteed delivery – Discreet, trackable shipping is provided; standard express delivery reaches most Hong Kong districts within 7 days, while regular airmail typically arrives in 2–3 weeks.
• Online‑only access – Patients who encounter limited local stock or who need an alternative to high‑cost brand versions benefit from a seamless, privacy‑focused ordering experience.

We operate as a pharmacy‑broker service, collaborating with reputable overseas licensed pharmacies and certified distributors. This model enables us to maintain a discreet service that respects patient confidentiality while expanding access to essential antifungal therapy.

FAQ

• Is Itraconazole available in both brand‑name and generic forms in Hong Kong?
  Yes. The original brand name is Sporanox, while generic itraconazole contains the same active ingredient and is typically less expensive. Generic versions are widely prescribed and approved by the Hong Kong Department of Health.

• How should I store itraconazole capsules at home?
  Keep the capsules at controlled room temperature (15‑30 °C), away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat sources. Do not store them in the bathroom or near a kitchen sink.

• Can I travel internationally with itraconazole capsules?
  Yes, but carry the medication in its original packaging with the prescription label visible. Some countries may require a doctor’s note or import permit for antifungal agents; check the destination’s customs regulations before departure.

• Does the oral solution contain alcohol?
  The itraconazole oral solution includes ethanol as a solvent, which may be contraindicated for patients with alcohol dependence or severe liver disease. Discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider if this is a concern.

• What are the differences between itraconazole formulations sold in the US, EU, and Asia?
  The active ingredient and dosage strength (200 mg) are identical across regions. In the US, the capsule uses a gelatin shell; some Asian markets offer a hard‑coated tablet. Excipients such as lactose or corn starch may vary, which can affect patients with specific allergies.

• Is itraconazole detectable in standard drug‑screening tests?
  Itraconazole is not a controlled substance and is not included in routine occupational drug‑screening panels. Specialized assays can detect it, but such testing is uncommon.

• Can itraconazole be taken with herbal supplements?
  Certain herbs, notably St. John’s wort, induce CYP3A4 enzymes and can lower itraconazole levels, reducing efficacy. Others, such as grape seed extract, may also affect metabolism. Always disclose supplement use to your clinician.

• Why does food improve absorption of itraconazole capsules?
  A high‑fat meal increases the solubility of itraconazole in the gastrointestinal tract, enhancing bioavailability by up to three‑fold compared with fasting conditions. This effect is not seen with the oral solution, which is already formulated for better absorption.

• What monitoring is recommended during long‑term itraconazole therapy?
  Baseline liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin) should be obtained before starting treatment, repeated after 2 weeks, and then every 1–2 months. Periodic ECGs may be considered for patients at risk of cardiac arrhythmias, especially when using the oral solution.

• Is itraconazole safe for patients with mild renal impairment?
  Itraconazole is primarily eliminated via hepatic metabolism; renal excretion is minimal. No dose adjustment is required for mild to moderate renal dysfunction, but severe renal impairment should still be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Glossary

CYP3A4

A liver enzyme that metabolizes many drugs. Itraconazole both inhibits and is metabolized by CYP3A4, leading to potential drug‑drug interactions.

Keratinophilic

Refers to a drug’s ability to bind to keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails. This property allows itraconazole to achieve high concentrations in these tissues.

Hepatotoxicity

Liver damage caused by a medication. Manifestations range from mild enzyme elevation to acute liver failure.

Pulse Therapy

A dosing regimen where a higher dose is given for a short period (e.g., 1 week) followed by a drug‑free interval, then repeated. Used to improve adherence and reduce side‑effects.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Itraconazole is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Itraconazole for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.