AIDS-HIV Treatment Briefs: Itraconazole for Itching
Step Perspective, Volume 5, Number 1; A Publication Of The Seattle Treatment Education Project - February 1993
Last September the FDA approved Itraconazole, an antifungal, for the treatment of histoplasmosis and blastomycosis (fungal infections). Itraconazole may also be effective for treating a fairly common skin condition in people with HIV called eosinophilic folliculitis. Eosinophilic folliculitis is an inflammatory infiltrate around the hair follicles in the skin which causes extreme itching. Physicians in Europe and San Francisco have reported successful treatment using 300 mg per day for a month. Fluconazole and Ketoconazole, which are similar to Itraconazole, do not appear to be effective (Itraconazole is thought to concentrate in the skin more so that the others). Itraconazole also appears to be effective in treating aspergillosis and fungal infection of the nails. Although rare, liver toxicity can occur, so liver functions should be monitored. In addition, Itraconazole requires an acidic environment for absorption so it must be taken at least two hours apart from ddI.
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Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeard in 1993. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.