Canditral 200 Cap

CANDITRAL 200 CAP by GLENMARK LABORATORIES

Canditral 200 Capsule is an antifungal medication manufactured by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., used to treat a variety of fungal infections throughout the body.

Name

• Common Name: Itraconazole Capsules
• Brand Name: Canditral 200 Capsule

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Itraconazole 200 mg

Uses

Canditral 200 Capsule is prescribed for the treatment of various fungal infections, including both superficial and systemic types. These include:

• Fungal infections of the mouth, throat (oropharyngeal candidiasis), and esophagus (esophageal candidiasis).
• Fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails (onychomycosis).
• Skin fungal infections such as ringworm (Tinea corporis), athlete's foot (Tinea pedis), and jock itch (Tinea cruris).
• Vaginal yeast infections (candidiasis).
• Systemic fungal infections like aspergillosis, blastomycosis, and histoplasmosis, particularly in patients who are intolerant or refractory to other therapies.
• Preventive care in individuals with weakened immune systems or those undergoing chemotherapy.

Dosage and Administration

Canditral 200 Capsule should be taken orally, swallowed whole with a full meal to ensure maximum absorption. Do not crush or chew the capsule. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the type and severity of the infection and should be determined by a healthcare professional.

• For toenail onychomycosis, a common regimen is 200 mg once daily for 12 consecutive weeks.
• For fingernail onychomycosis, two treatment pulses may be used, each consisting of 200 mg twice daily for 1 week, separated by a 3-week period without medication.
• Doses exceeding 200 mg per day are typically divided into two administrations.
• In life-threatening situations, a loading dose of 200 mg three times daily (600 mg/day) for the first 3 days may be recommended.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, bloating.
• Headache, dizziness, fatigue, tiredness.
• Cough, cold, throat pain, back pain.
• Rash, menstrual problems.

Serious side effects, requiring immediate medical attention, include:

• Signs of liver problems: yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, severe lack of appetite, unusual tiredness, vomiting, or persistent stomach pain.
• Symptoms of heart failure: shortness of breath, unexpected weight gain, swollen legs or stomach.
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the limbs (neuropathy).
• Hearing loss or blurred/double vision.
• Severe breathing problems, especially when taken with certain medications like fentanyl.

Precautions

• Allergy: Do not use if allergic to Itraconazole or any other components of the capsule.
• Heart Conditions: Not recommended for patients with current or a history of heart failure due to the risk of severe, life-threatening adverse effects. Use with caution if you have irregular heart rhythms or prolonged QT intervals.
• Liver and Kidney Disease: Use with caution. Liver function monitoring may be required, and the dose may need adjustment. Discontinue if signs of liver failure occur.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Canditral 200 Capsule is generally not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, as it is a pregnancy category C drug and may cause harm to the unborn baby, including severe birth defects at high doses. It is also probably unsafe during breastfeeding as it can pass into breast milk and may harm the baby.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. Avoid taking certain drugs concurrently, including specific antihistamines, cholesterol-lowering medicines (statins), medications for irregular heartbeats, and certain calcium channel blockers. Concomitant use with fentanyl can lead to severe breathing problems and potentially death. Antacids should be taken at least 2 hours after Canditral 200 Capsule to ensure proper absorption. If taking antacids that reduce stomach acid, Canditral capsules may be taken with a cola drink. Alcohol consumption should be avoided.
• Driving and Machinery: Canditral 200 Capsule may cause dizziness, hearing loss, or vision disturbances; therefore, exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.
• Children and Elderly: Not generally recommended for children under 12 years of age due to unestablished safety and effectiveness. Elderly patients should use with caution, and dose adjustment may be necessary.
• Treatment Course: It is crucial to complete the entire prescribed course of treatment even if symptoms improve to prevent the infection from returning or becoming resistant to further treatment.

Storage

Store Canditral 200 Capsule in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight and moisture. The ideal storage temperature is between 15°C and 30°C (or below 30°C). Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Here are some frequently asked questions about CANDITRAL 200 CAP:

What is CANDITRAL 200 CAP used for?

CANDITRAL 200 CAP is an antifungal medicine primarily used to treat a variety of fungal infections throughout the body. These include infections of the mouth, throat, vagina, skin (like ringworm, athlete's foot), feet, groin, buttocks, fingernails, toenails, and internal organs such as the lungs. It is also used to treat specific infections like cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, aspergillosis, and blastomycosis. In some cases, it may be prescribed to prevent fungal infections in high-risk individuals.

How does CANDITRAL 200 CAP work?

CANDITRAL 200 CAP contains Itraconazole, which belongs to a class of medicines called antifungals. It works by targeting and inhibiting the production of ergosterol, a crucial component of the fungal cell membrane. By disrupting ergosterol synthesis, the fungal cell membrane becomes damaged and leaky, leading to the death of the fungal cells and clearing the infection.

What is the usual dosage for CANDITRAL 200 CAP?

The dosage and duration of treatment with CANDITRAL 200 CAP depend on the type and severity of the fungal infection, as well as your response to the medicine. It should always be taken as prescribed by your doctor. It is generally recommended to take the capsule with a full meal to ensure maximum absorption. Doses above 200 mg per day are usually given in two divided doses, and in life-threatening situations, a loading dose might be prescribed for the first three days.

What are the possible side effects of CANDITRAL 200 CAP?

Common side effects can include nausea, headache, diarrhea, tiredness, cough, cold, throat pain, back pain, stomach pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, rash, fatigue, menstrual problems, bloating, and indigestion. More serious side effects, though rare, can include symptoms of liver problems (such as yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, severe lack of appetite, unusual tiredness, pale stools, or stomach pain), symptoms of heart failure (like shortness of breath, unexpected weight gain, or swollen legs), tingling, numbness, or weakness in the limbs (neuropathy), and temporary or permanent hearing loss. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Is CANDITRAL 200 CAP safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

CANDITRAL 200 CAP is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, as it may cause harm to the unborn baby. Women of childbearing potential are advised to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least two months after stopping the medication. During breastfeeding, CANDITRAL 200 CAP is considered probably unsafe as a small amount of the medicine passes into breast milk and may harm the baby. It should only be used if your doctor determines that the benefits outweigh the potential risks to the infant.

Can CANDITRAL 200 CAP be taken with other medications?

CANDITRAL 200 CAP can interact with many other medicines. It is important to inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and supplement medications you are taking. For example, it should not be taken within 2 hours of antacids, as they can reduce its absorption (unless taken with a cola drink if you are on acid-reducing medicines). Concurrent use with certain medications, including some for irregular heartbeat (e.g., quinidine, dofetilide), cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g., lovastatin, simvastatin), certain benzodiazepines (e.g., midazolam, triazolam), some calcium channel blockers, warfarin, certain antimycobacterial drugs (e.g., rifampicin), and strong opioid painkillers like fentanyl, should be avoided or used with extreme caution due to potential serious interactions.

What precautions should be taken while taking CANDITRAL 200 CAP?

Take CANDITRAL 200 CAP with food for optimal absorption. Avoid consuming alcohol, as it may increase the risk of liver problems. Your doctor may monitor your liver function with blood tests before and during treatment. Report any signs of liver damage (yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain) to your doctor immediately. It is not recommended for patients with a history of heart failure. Use with caution if you have kidney or liver disease. Since it may cause dizziness or blurred vision, exercise caution when driving or operating machinery. Always complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if your symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning or becoming resistant.

What happens if a dose of CANDITRAL 200 CAP is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

How should CANDITRAL 200 CAP be stored?

Store CANDITRAL 200 CAP in a cool, dry place at room temperature, typically below 30°C (or between 15°C and 30°C). Protect it from excess heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets.