Adverse events associated with itraconazole in 189 patients on chronic therapy

Itraconazole was administered at doses of 50-400 mg/day to 189 patients with a variety of systemic mycoses for a median of five months. Adverse reactions possibly due to itraconazole were seen in 74 patients (39%). Mild gastrointestinal reactions were most common; other reactions including hypertriglyceridaemia, hypokalaemia and liver enzyme elevations occurred less frequently. No fatal reactions have been noted and toxicity has rarely led to a discontinuation of therapy. Chronic therapy with itraconazole appears well tolerated by the majority of patients.