Itrapex
Generic Name
Itraconazole 100 mg capsule
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
Loading images...
Price Details
Current market pricing information
Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
---|---|---|
itrapex 100 mg capsule | ৳ 15.00 | ৳ 60.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Itrapex 100 mg capsule contains Itraconazole, an antifungal medication used to treat a wide range of fungal infections affecting various parts of the body, including nails, skin, mouth, and internal organs.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Dosage varies widely based on indication. For example: Onychomycosis (pulse dosing, e.g., 200 mg once daily for 7 days per month for 2-3 months); Systemic fungal infections (100-200 mg once or twice daily for several weeks to months). Always follow physician's instructions.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is generally required, but caution is advised due to potential age-related decrease in renal or hepatic function.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution. Dosage adjustments may be necessary depending on the degree of renal impairment. Itraconazole is not removed by hemodialysis.
How to Take
Take Itrapex 100 mg capsule immediately after a full meal to ensure maximum absorption. Swallow the capsule whole with water.
Mechanism of Action
Itraconazole inhibits fungal cytochrome P450-dependent 14α-demethylation of lanosterol, an essential step in fungal ergosterol synthesis. This leads to the accumulation of 14α-methyl sterols and a concomitant decrease in ergosterol, disrupting the fungal cell membrane integrity and function, thereby inhibiting fungal growth.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Clinical effects may take days to weeks to manifest, depending on the infection type and location.
Excretion
Mainly excreted as inactive metabolites in the feces (3-18%) and urine (approximately 35%) within one week.
Half life
Approximately 20-30 hours for itraconazole; 30-40 hours for its active metabolite, hydroxy-itraconazole.
Absorption
Well absorbed orally when taken immediately after a full meal. Bioavailability is pH-dependent, increasing with gastric acidity.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily by the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme system, to an active metabolite, hydroxy-itraconazole.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to itraconazole or any component of the formulation.
- Co-administration with certain CYP3A4 substrates that can prolong the QT interval (e.g., cisapride, dofetilide, quinidine, pimozide, levacetylmethadol, terfenadine, mizolastine, astemizole).
- Patients with a history of congestive heart failure (CHF) or ventricular dysfunction (for oral solution, caution for capsules).
Drug Interactions
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, clarithromycin)
Can significantly increase itraconazole plasma concentrations, increasing risk of adverse effects.
Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine)
Can significantly decrease itraconazole plasma concentrations, leading to therapeutic failure.
Drugs that prolong QT interval (e.g., cisapride, dofetilide, quinidine)
Concomitant use is contraindicated due to increased risk of serious ventricular arrhythmias.
Drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 (e.g., simvastatin, atorvastatin, calcium channel blockers, oral midazolam, warfarin)
Itraconazole can inhibit their metabolism, leading to increased plasma concentrations and potential toxicity.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
In case of an overdose, supportive measures should be employed. Itraconazole is not removed by hemodialysis. There is no specific antidote. Gastric lavage may be considered within the first hour of ingestion.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Itraconazole should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. It is excreted in human breast milk; therefore, breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by FDA/DGDA
Patent Status
Off-patent (Generic available)
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Itraconazole has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in various fungal infections. Ongoing research explores new indications and drug delivery systems.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin) at baseline and periodically during prolonged therapy.
- Serum electrolytes, especially potassium, if there's a risk of QT prolongation.
- ECG monitoring in patients at risk of arrhythmias.
Doctor Notes
- Assess patient for risk factors of congestive heart failure prior to initiating therapy, especially with the oral solution.
- Thoroughly review patient's concomitant medications to identify potential CYP3A4 interactions.
- Educate patients on symptoms of liver dysfunction and cardiac adverse effects to report promptly.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the capsule with a full meal.
- Complete the entire course of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms, especially signs of liver problems (e.g., unusual fatigue, dark urine, yellowing of skin/eyes) or heart failure (e.g., shortness of breath, swelling of ankles).
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Itrapex may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or hearing loss in some patients. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good personal hygiene to prevent recurrence of fungal infections.
- Avoid alcohol consumption during treatment, as it may exacerbate liver side effects.
- Avoid self-medication; consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh
Similar medicines available in the market
Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine
Related
Medicines
Explore similar medicines to find the best option for your healthcare needs.
Exipain
Acme Laboratories Ltd.
Exler
Incepta Pharmaceuticals
Avloquin-H
General Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Azi S
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Avilam
Various (e.g., Sanofi as Avil)
Azelec
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Evoloxin
Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Exopan
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Exomi MUPS
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Lotenate Plus
General Pharmaceuticals Ltd.