The Basics
What is Itraconazole?
Antifungal medication used to treat infections in any part of the body including the lungs, mouth or throat, toenails, or fingernails.
Brand names for Itraconazole
Sporanox
How Itraconazole is classified
Antifungal Agents
Itraconazole During Pregnancy
Itraconazole pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Itraconazole while pregnant
N/A
Taking Itraconazole While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Itraconazole?
No information is available on the clinical use of itraconazole during breastfeeding. However, limited data indicate that maternal itraconazole produces levels in milk that are less than the 5 mg/kg daily doses that have been recommended to treat infants. Until more data become available, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
No information is available on the clinical use of itraconazole during breastfeeding. However, limited data indicate that maternal itraconazole produces levels in milk that are less than the 5 mg/kg daily doses that have been recommended to treat infants. Until more data become available, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Itraconazole on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Itraconazole
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Cazzaniga EK, Chanlam A. Janssen Pharmaceutica. Personal communication to Gerald Briggs. 1996.
2. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, Yaffe SJ. Drugs in pregnancy and lactation, 8th ed. Baltimore. Williams & Wilkins. 2008.
3. McNamara PJ, Abbassi M. Neonatal exposure to drugs in breast milk. Pharm Res. 2004;21:555-66. PMID: 15139511
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
