Description:

Itraconazole Capsules Canoitral (by Glenmark) is an oral antifungal medication used to treat a variety of fungal infections caused by susceptible fungi. It is indicated for conditions such as oropharyngeal and vulvovaginal candidiasis (thrush), tinea corporis/cruris/pedis (ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot), pityriasis versicolor, onychomycosis (fungal nail infections), systemic fungal infections (e.g., aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis), and prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients. It works by inhibiting fungal cytochrome P450-dependent ergosterol synthesis, disrupting fungal cell membrane integrity. In Ghana (Accra), Canoitral 100mg capsules are a common, affordable prescription antifungal available in pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy, Beybee Pharmacy) for dermatological, mucosal, and systemic fungal infections.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx for fungal infection confirmation via clinical diagnosis, microscopy, culture, or KOH test; not OTC due to potential liver toxicity and drug interactions).

Therapeutic Category:

Triazole Antifungal / Systemic Antimycotic (Broad-spectrum azole antifungal.

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each capsule contains:

• Itraconazole – 100 mg (active antifungal agent). Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Sugar spheres (sucrose + maize starch), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, talc, gelatin capsule shell (size 0), titanium dioxide (E171), and colorants (e.g., FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40 in some formulations). Capsules are hard gelatin, blue cap with white body, imprinted with “Canoitral 100” or Glenmark logo.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Canoitral 100mg Capsules (standard 100mg strength; common pack sizes 10, 20, or 30 capsules). Related variants: Canoitral 200mg capsules (higher dose for systemic infections), Itraconazole solution (oral liquid for better absorption in some patients), or other Glenmark itraconazole brands. The 100mg capsule is the most common for dermatological and mucosal infections.

Consume Type:

Oral – Capsule (swallow whole with water; do not chew, crush, or open; take immediately after a full meal for optimal absorption).

Directions/Usage: Take exactly as prescribed (dosing varies by infection severity/location).

• Oropharyngeal candidiasis: 100 mg once daily for 15 days.
• Vulvovaginal candidiasis: 200 mg twice daily for 1 day or 200 mg once daily for 3 days.
• Tinea corporis/cruris/pedis: 100 mg once daily for 15 days or 200 mg twice daily for 7 days.
• Onychomycosis: Pulse therapy – 200 mg twice daily for 1 week per month (2 pulses for fingernails, 3 pulses for toenails).
• Systemic infections: 200 mg once or twice daily (higher doses for severe cases).
• Take with food (full meal) to significantly increase absorption (up to 3-fold).
• Duration: 1–12 weeks depending on infection (complete full course even if symptoms improve).
• Avoid antacids/PPIs/H2 blockers within 2 hours (reduce absorption).

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia.
• Headache
• Rash, pruritus
• Fatigue Other: Dizziness, edema. Rare/serious (seek help): Hepatotoxicity (jaundice, dark urine, fatigue – monitor liver function), heart failure exacerbation (negative inotropic effect), QT prolongation, severe skin reactions (SJS/TEN), or hypersensitivity.

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 capsules per strip, packs of 1×10, 2×10 = 20, or 3×10 = 30 capsules; foil blisters in carton with patient leaflet).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to itraconazole/azoles, congestive heart failure (negative inotropic effect), or with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin – risk of QT prolongation/toxicity).
• Caution in liver disease (monitor LFTs), pregnancy (avoid in first trimester; Category C), breastfeeding (limited data), or elderly.
• Drug interactions: Avoid with simvastatin, lovastatin, triazolam, midazolam, ergot alkaloids, cisapride, pimozide, quinidine (increased risk of serious effects).
• If severe nausea, jaundice, dark urine, rash, or heart failure symptoms occur, stop use and seek medical care immediately.
• Monitor liver function tests if treatment >1 month.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Product Substitutes: Similar itraconazole 100mg capsules in Ghana include:

• Generic itraconazole 100mg (various importers).
• Sporanox (original Janssen/Pfizer brand, higher price if stocked).
• Itranex, Itracon, or other Glenmark/Shalina itraconazole brands. Alternatives: Fluconazole capsules (for candidiasis), terbinafine (for dermatophytes), or voriconazole (for systemic infections). Consult pharmacist/dermatologist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Korle Bu Dermatology) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (India; primary manufacturer of Canoitral/Itraconazole capsules). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by Glenmark or local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked at outlets like Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy).

Country of Origin:

India (manufactured by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.; imported to Ghana and widely available in local pharmacies).