Sporanox capsules are used to treat certain fungal infections which include the following:
- persistent infections of the nails, skin, hands, feet or groin;
- persistent candida (yeast) infections of the vagina;
- eye infections which have not responded to other treatment or which may be affecting vision;
- candida (yeast) infections of the mouth or throat in patients with lower resistance to disease;
- generalised infections.
Sporanox works by killing or stopping the growth of the fungus that causes the infection.
Dosage
Adults
The usual doses are shown below, but your doctor may decide to adjust them for your individual needs.
Tinea of body & groin
1 capsule (100 mg) daily for 2 weeks.
Tinea of hands & feet
1 capsule (100 mg) daily for 4 weeks.
Other skin infections
2 capsules (200 mg) daily for 1 week.
Eye infections
2 capsules (200 mg) daily for 3 weeks.
Vaginal infections
2 capsules (200 mg) morning & evening for 1 day, or 2 capsules (200 mg) daily for 3 days.
Mouth infections
1 capsule (100 mg) daily for 4 weeks or 2 capsules (200 mg) daily for 4 weeks.
Systemic infections
1 to 2 capsules (100 mg to 200 mg) once or twice daily for 3 weeks to 8 months, depending on the condition.
Nail infections
Continuous nail therapy - 2 capsules (200 mg) once daily for 3 months.
Cyclic (pulse) nail therapy - 2 capsules twice daily for 1 week. After that, stop taking Sporanox for 3 weeks. Then the cycle is repeated, once for fingernails and twice for toenail infections (with or without fingernail infections). (See below)
Fingernails only |
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| Week 1 | Take 2 capsules twice daily. |
| Week 2, 3, 4 | No Sporanox. |
| Week 5 | Take 2 capsules twice daily. |
| Week 6 | Stop |
Toenails with or without fingernails |
|---|
| Week 1 | Take 2 capsules twice daily. |
| Week 2, 3, 4 | No Sporanox |
| Week 5 | Take 2 capsules twice daily |
| Week 6, 7, 8 | No Sporanox |
| Week 9 | Take 2 capsules twice daily |
| Week 10 | Stop |
Children and Elderly
Sporanox capsules are not recommended for use in children and in the elderly.
How to take it
Always take Sporanox capsules after a meal.
Do not take medicines that neutralise stomach acid within 2 hours of taking Sporanox capsules. This is because sufficient stomach acid is required to ensure that Sporanox capsule is properly absorbed by the body. If you take medicines that suppress the production of stomach acid, you should take your Sporanox capsules with an acidic drink, such as a cola beverage.
Side Effects
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some side effects. Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- upset stomach, stomach pain or discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation.
- headache, dizziness.
- a change in menstrual pattern.
- erectile dysfunction.
- muscle weakness or pain.
- painful joints.
- unpleasant taste.
- unusual hair loss or thinning.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following as you may need urgent medical care:
- tingling, numbness or weakness in the hands or feet.
- swelling of hands ankles, feet, legs or abdomen.
- shortness of breath, unexpected weight gain, or begin to wake up at night.
- oversensitivity to sunlight.
- blurred or double vision.
- ringing in the ears.
- lose the ability to control your bladder or urinate much more than usual.
STOP taking Sporanox capsules and tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital if any of the following happen:
- abnormal tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes.
- sudden signs of allergy such as rash, itching or hives on the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing or trouble breathing.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people. Tell your doctor if you notice any other effects.
Missed Dosage
Take the dose you missed as soon as you remember, and then continue to take it as you would normally.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed.
If you have missed more than one dose, or are not sure what to do, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.
Overdose
Immediately telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre for advice, or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital.
Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.
Storage
Keep Sporanox capsules in the pack until it is time to take them.
Keep Sporanox capsules in a cool dry place where the temperature is below 25°C (77°F).
Keep your medicines where young children cannot reach them. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres (1.5 m) above the ground is good place to store medicines.
Do not store Sporanox capsules, or any other medicine, in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave medicines in the car or on window sills. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
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