Drug interactions
Itraconazole + Sodium bicarbonate
Severity: Moderate
Itraconazole and Sodium bicarbonate: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Oral itraconazole capsules need gastric acid to dissolve and be absorbed. Sodium bicarbonate raises gastric pH and can substantially reduce itraconazole absorption, risking treatment failure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Itraconazole and Sodium bicarbonate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Itraconazole belongs to Anti Fungals; Sodium bicarbonate belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Elevated gastric pH reduces dissolution and absorption of itraconazole capsules.
What to do
Separate administration by at least 1 to 2 hours, giving itraconazole capsules first with food. Alternatively use the oral solution or monitor itraconazole levels.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Itraconazole
- Alfuzosin + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Itraconazole Contraindicated
Other interactions of Sodium bicarbonate
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Alendronate + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Amantadine + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Carbonyl iron + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Cefditoren + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Cefpodoxime + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Itraconazole with Sodium bicarbonate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Itraconazole and Sodium bicarbonate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Oral itraconazole capsules need gastric acid to dissolve and be absorbed. Sodium bicarbonate raises gastric pH and can substantially reduce itraconazole absorption, risking treatment failure.
How serious is the interaction between Itraconazole and Sodium bicarbonate?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Separate administration by at least 1 to 2 hours, giving itraconazole capsules first with food. Alternatively use the oral solution or monitor itraconazole levels.
What other medicines interact with Itraconazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Itraconazole with, for example, Alfuzosin, Alprazolam, Avanafil. The full list is on the Itraconazole page.
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