Fungikem 200 Mg Capsule (7 Cap)

FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE

Name:

• Brand Name: Fungikem 200 mg Capsule
• Common Name: Itraconazole (active ingredient)

Composition: Each capsule contains 200 mg of Itraconazole.

Uses: Fungikem 200 mg Capsule is an antifungal medication primarily used to treat a wide range of fungal infections in various parts of the body. These include infections of the mouth, throat, vagina, skin, fingernails, toenails, and lungs. It is effective against conditions such as oral and vaginal candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and cryptococcosis. It may also be prescribed for preventing fungal infections in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Dosage and Administration: Fungikem 200 mg Capsule should be taken orally, swallowed whole with water, immediately after a full meal to ensure optimal absorption. The dosage and duration of treatment are determined by a doctor based on the type and severity of the infection. It is crucial to complete the full prescribed course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from recurring and to avoid resistance. Avoid taking antacids within two hours before or one hour after taking this medicine.

Side Effects: Common side effects may include nausea, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, and menstrual problems. Serious side effects, though less common, can include liver problems (manifesting as yellowing of the skin/eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain, unusual tiredness), allergic reactions (skin rash, swelling of face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing), nerve pain, or hearing loss. Medical attention should be sought if these occur.

Precautions: Fungikem 200 mg Capsule is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to potential harm to the fetus. It is also generally not recommended for breastfeeding women as it may pass into breast milk. Caution is advised for patients with a history of heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease, and liver function monitoring may be required with prolonged use. Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it may increase the risk of liver problems. This medicine may cause dizziness or blurred vision, so driving or operating heavy machinery should be avoided if affected. Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking to prevent drug interactions.

Storage: Store Fungikem 200 mg Capsule below 30°C. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and out of sight and reach of children.

FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE (7 CAP) by ALKEM LABORATORIES LTD. FAQs

What is FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE used for?

FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE is an antifungal medication primarily used to treat various fungal infections affecting different parts of the body. These include infections of the skin (like ringworm, athlete's foot), nails (fingernails and toenails), mouth (oral candidiasis/thrush), throat, vagina (vaginal candidiasis), and lungs. It is also effective against systemic fungal infections such as aspergillosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, and cryptococcosis, and can be used to prevent fungal infections in individuals with weakened immune systems.

How does FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE work?

FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE contains Itraconazole, which is an antifungal agent. It works by inhibiting the production of ergosterol, a crucial component of the fungal cell membrane. By disrupting ergosterol synthesis, Itraconazole weakens and damages the fungal cell membrane, leading to the leakage of essential cellular components and ultimately killing the fungus. This action stops the growth of fungi and helps clear the infection.

What is the usual dosage for FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE?

The dosage and duration of FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE are determined by your doctor based on the type and severity of the fungal infection and your response to treatment. It should be taken in the dose and for the duration prescribed by your doctor. It is important to swallow the capsule whole, and it can be taken with food for optimal absorption.

What are the possible side effects of FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE?

Common side effects of FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and indigestion. Less common side effects can include rash or changes in taste. More serious, though rare, side effects can include severe allergic reactions, liver dysfunction, or irregular heartbeat. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., severe skin rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), or symptoms of liver problems such as yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, severe lack of appetite, or stomach pain.

Is FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE may be unsafe to use during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, as animal studies have shown harmful effects on developing babies. It is generally not recommended for pregnant women unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks, and a reliable method of contraception should be used to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

Regarding breastfeeding, FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE is probably unsafe to use as a small amount of the medicine passes into breast milk. It is generally not recommended for breastfeeding women, and consultation with a doctor is advised to weigh the benefits and potential risks.

Can FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE be taken with other medications?

FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE can interact with several other medications, which may lead to increased plasma concentrations and potentially serious side effects. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medicines, herbal preparations, and nutritional supplements you are taking.

Some medications that may interact include:

• CYP3A4 metabolised medications: Medicines such as cisapride, dofetilide, levomethadyl, benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, alprazolam), and certain antiretrovirals (e.g., indinavir, ritonavir).
• Antacids and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Do not take indigestion remedies (antacids) within 2 hours of taking FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE, as they can reduce its absorption.
• Tuberculosis medicines: Such as Rifabutin and Rifampicin.
• Certain painkillers/anesthetics: Like fentanyl.
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (e.g., atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin) can increase the risk of myopathy.

What precautions should be taken with FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE?

Before taking FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE, inform your doctor if you have a history of heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease. Your doctor may recommend monitoring your liver function before starting and regularly throughout treatment. Caution is advised if you have a compromised immune system. Avoid consuming alcohol with this medicine, as it can worsen certain side effects like nausea and dizziness. FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or hearing loss, so driving or operating machinery should be avoided if you experience these effects.

What happens if a dose of FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE is missed?

If you miss a dose of FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE, 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 a missed one. It is important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning and to reduce the risk of developing drug-resistant infections.

How should FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE be stored?

FUNGIKEM 200 MG CAPSULE should be stored in a cool and dry place, below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. It should be kept out of the sight and reach of children.