Itraconazole Level in Blood Test Cost & Procedure

Itraconazole is a synthetic triazole antifungal medication that has been licensed for the prophylaxis and treatment of a number of fungi infections. Ergosterol, a crucial part of the membranes of fungal cells, is synthesized by fungi, and it is this inhibition that gives rise to its activity.

Itraconazole: What is it?

Itraconazole - Aspergillosis, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, sporotrichosis, and onychomycosis can all be treated with the antifungal medicine itraconazole. Because it is protein-bound, the medication barely penetrates the CSF. In cases where other medications are prohibited or inefficient, it may also be used to treat systemic candidiasis and cryptococcosis. Itraconazole levels must be continuously monitored in a patient due to the chronic nature of fungus infections to ensure that the right therapeutic doses are delivered, absorbed, and then eliminated.

The condition(s) that the drug is used to treat includes:

• Blastomycosis

Histoplasmosis

• Aspergillosis invasive

Candidiasis of the esophagus

• Candidiasis of the vagina

Yeast Infections (Tinea Strains)

The following are some frequent adverse effects that could manifest:

• Rash Skin Headache

Dizziness

• Edema (Swelling)

Hypertension

• Fatigue

Fever

• Decreased Libido

Hypertriglyceridemia

• Internal Pain
• Vomiting

Diarrhoea

• Anorexia

Why is this examination suggested?

Some of the main reasons for therapeutic medication monitoring include worries about sufficient absorption and drug interactions. The average oral bioavailability is about 55%, though this is very variable; meals and acidic beverages can improve absorption. Low serum levels of itraconazole can be caused by hepatic enzyme inducers, and coadministration of these medications has been linked to itraconazole therapeutic failure. When serum concentrations of itraconazole are more than 0.5 mcg/mL for localized infections or 1.0 mcg/mL for systemic infections, the drug is most effective therapeutically. In serum, hydroxyitraconazole, an active metabolite, is found at about twice the parent drug's concentration. Useful for confirming the systemic absorption of itraconazole taken orally

Patients suffering from deadly fungal infections

Patients at risk for itraconazole's low absorption or quick clearance