Cladosol

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Cladosol

Property Description
Active Ingredient Itraconazole
Form Capsules, Oral Solution, Intravenous Injection
Pharmacological Class Antifungal Agent (Antimycotic)
Common Use Treating systemic and superficial fungal infections
Origin Synthetic triazole derivative

Cladosol: Identity and Pharmacological Classification

Cladosol is a pharmaceutical preparation containing the active ingredient Itraconazole, which is chemically defined as a synthetic triazole derivative. Itraconazole is classified as an antifungal agent that belongs to the azole class. This classification indicates that the product is a systemic medicine intended to combat conditions caused by fungal or yeast pathogens throughout the body.

Itraconazole is a human-made compound, distinguishing it from naturally derived antibiotics. It is designed for broad-spectrum efficacy, a property used for addressing a wide variety of fungal species compared to older agents. The drug is intended to address fungal infections by stopping fungal proliferation effectively.


Composition and Forms for Systemic Delivery

The core composition of Cladosol preparations is the single active compound Itraconazole, combined with various non-active ingredients necessary for formulation. The drug is distinctive in that it is presented in multiple forms—oral preparations, such as capsules and an oral solution, as well as an intravenous injection preparation. This variety in forms ensures the medicine can be delivered effectively and consistently via systemic administration.

General Therapeutic Purpose

The general purpose of Cladosol is to stop the spread and growth of various fungal organisms causing persistent infections. It works by blocking the synthesis of ergosterol, a crucial component required for the structural integrity and stability of the fungal cell membrane. By destabilizing the membrane, Cladosol effectively prevents the fungus from surviving and reproducing, which provides a general therapeutic benefit against mycoses.

Regulatory References

  1. Itraconazole: MedlinePlus Drug Information

What side effects are possible with Cladosol?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile of Cladosol (Itraconazole) is defined by official regulatory classifications that detail potential adverse reactions by frequency and physiological system. This information is derived from government health authorities, including the FDA and the EMA.


Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions are grouped according to how often they have been reported in clinical data:

  • Common (occur in ge 1/100 people): Reactions frequently reported include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, and elevated liver function tests (LFTs).
  • Uncommon (occur in ge 1/1,000 to <1/100 people): These effects include hypokalemia (low potassium), hypertriglyceridemia, dizziness, and urticaria (hives).
  • Rare (occur in ge 1/10,000 to <1/1,000 people): Rare effects include peripheral neuropathy, certain visual disturbances, and transient or permanent hearing loss.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Regulatory documents highlight serious adverse reactions and specific constraints on use. The medicine is associated with reports of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and is explicitly restricted from use in patients with a history of ventricular dysfunction for non-life-threatening conditions. Cases of severe Hepatotoxicity, including fatal liver failure, have been reported, sometimes occurring early in treatment. Liver function monitoring is a documented safety measure.

Effects are officially classified across several System-Organ-Classes, notably Hepatobiliary Disorders (liver), Cardiac Disorders (heart), and Nervous System Disorders. Furthermore, peripheral neuropathy is predominantly reported during long-term exposure and may become irreversible. Caution is advised for use in older adults and patients with pre-existing hepatic or renal impairment due to potential changes in drug exposure.

Overdose and Emergency Response

In the event of known or suspected overexposure to Cladosol, individuals must seek immediate medical attention by contacting a Poison Control Center or proceeding directly to an emergency medical facility. Official regulatory guidance mandates urgent medical care due to the potential severity of systemic effects following acute administration.

The documented clinical profile of an overdose is expected to be an exaggeration of known side effects, which may include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Regulatory labeling specifically highlights the risk to the cardiovascular system; high systemic exposure to the active ingredient is associated with ventricular dysfunction and the potential to induce or exacerbate congestive heart failure.

No specific antidote is known to reverse the effects of the active substance. Therefore, the management procedures are limited to symptomatic and supportive treatment as described in official documents. Depending on the time elapsed since ingestion, procedural steps may involve the consideration of gastric lavage or the administration of activated charcoal. Mandatory monitoring protocols include continuous clinical observation and ECG monitoring. Regulatory documentation also notes that the active compound cannot be effectively removed from the body by hemodialysis due to its high protein binding, further constraining the treatment approach.

Therapeutic Uses of Cladosol

What Cladosol Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Cladosol is commonly used to manage infections caused by a wide range of fungal pathogens and is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed. It is considered relevant for addressing conditions that present with systemic or localized discomfort.

The medication is generally applied in contexts involving deep-seated mycoses, such as Histoplasmosis and Aspergillosis, as well as common but persistent infections like onychomycosis (fungal nail disease) and candidiasis of the mouth and esophagus.

The primary benefit is supporting the patient in managing the fungal burden, which contributes to easing the overall symptom load. For patients facing high risk, it is also used proactively to help manage the risk of developing invasive fungal infections during critical periods of vulnerability.

“It is relevant for easing discomfort in contexts marked by increased discomfort or tension caused by persistent fungal activity.”


Quick Fact: Support for Fungal-Induced Discomfort Cladosol plays a role in managing symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain, and is relevant for easing the symptomatic burden associated with chronic infections of the nails, skin, and internal organs.

Summary of Therapeutic Intent: The core application supports the management of symptoms related to systemic imbalance or chronic inflammatory states caused by fungal activity, which may assist with maintaining a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility for Cladosol (Itraconazole)

The ability to use Cladosol is strictly defined by regulatory documents based on patient status and specific medical conditions. The medicine is contraindicated and must not be used by patients with a known hypersensitivity to Itraconazole or its components. It is also contraindicated for treating non-life-threatening conditions, such as onychomycosis, in patients with current or past evidence of ventricular dysfunction or Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).

Population Group Official Eligibility Status
Pediatric Population Use Not Established/Not Recommended. Safety and efficacy are not established in children.
Pregnant Patients Contraindicated. Must not be used for non-life-threatening infections. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during and for 2 months after treatment.
Hepatic or Renal Impairment Restricted/Use with Caution. Patients must be closely monitored, and use is strongly discouraged in severe hepatic impairment.

Use is not recommended in the Geriatric population unless the benefits outweigh risks, due to the increased frequency of reduced organ function. Patients with risk factors for CHF must be treated with caution and monitored for symptoms.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile of Cladosol (Itraconazole) is defined by its documented action as a potent inhibitor of the CYP3A4 enzyme system and P-glycoprotein (P-gp). This inhibition significantly raises the plasma concentrations of co-administered drugs that are metabolized by these pathways, which can lead to serious adverse events.

Formal Contraindicated Combinations

Official regulatory labeling strictly prohibits co-administration with certain medications due to the high risk of severe reactions from increased exposure. These include specific antiarrhythmics (e.g., Dronedarone, Quinidine), certain HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (e.g., Lovastatin, Simvastatin), and select psychotropics (e.g., Lurasidone, Pimozide).

Exposure-Altering Interactions

Substance Type Effect on Cladosol Required Action
Gastric Acid Reducers (PPIs, H2-Blockers) Reduced absorption of capsules Requires timing separation (e.g., 2 hours apart).
Strong CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., Rifampin) Reduced plasma levels May compromise antifungal efficacy.
Food Increased absorption of capsules Recommended administration with a full meal.

Population-Specific Notes

The severity of interactions may be heightened in specific populations. For instance, the drug's half-life is documented as approximately twofold longer in cirrhotic subjects (hepatic impairment). Furthermore, contraindications for certain co-administered drugs, such as Colchicine, are specifically restricted in patients with pre-existing renal or hepatic impairment.

Mechanism of Action

Targeted Inhibition of Fungal Sterol Production

Cladosol’s mechanism initiates by highly selective inhibition of the fungal enzyme Lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase (CYP51A). This enzyme is essential for the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. The drug achieves this by having the nitrogen atom of its azole ring bind directly to the heme iron of the enzyme, halting its catalytic function. The primary physiological consequence is a critical shortage of ergosterol, the principal building block for the fungal cell membrane's structure and function.

This molecular block triggers a mechanistic cascade: the depletion of ergosterol is coupled with the toxic intracellular buildup of intermediary compounds, specifically 14-alpha-methylated sterols. This dual action compromises the pathogen’s membrane integrity, inducing rigidity and excessive permeability, which leads to fungal cell dysfunction and inhibition of replication.

However, the activity of this mechanism is constrained if the pathogen develops biological counter-mechanisms. These limitations include mutations in the CYP51A gene or the over-expression of efflux pumps that actively expel the drug from the cell, which reduces the effective intracellular concentration necessary for inhibition.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Cladosol

Cladosol (Itraconazole) is utilized in clinical practice through systemic administration via two routes: Oral (capsules and oral solution) and Intravenous (IV) infusion. The use of the medicine is characterized by its pharmaceutical form, as the capsules and oral solution are not interchangeable due to differences in absorption and bioavailability.


Administration and Timing

Entity Standard Administration Parameters
Dosing Schedule An initial loading dose is often used for systemic infections, typically 200 mg three times daily for 3 days (capsules), followed by a maintenance dose of 200 mg once or twice daily.
IV Administration The IV infusion is dosed at 200 mg twice daily for the first two days, administered over one hour, followed by once-daily maintenance.
Timing with Meals Capsules are typically taken immediately after a full meal to optimize absorption. The Oral Solution is generally taken on an empty stomach to improve systemic availability.
Course Duration The length of therapy varies, ranging from short courses of 1 to 2 weeks for certain localized infections to extended treatment of 3 to 12 months or more for deep-seated mycoses.

Special Procedural Requirements

Standard procedures include specific conditions for use. For instance, acid-reducing agents (such as antacids) are typically administered at least two hours apart from the capsule dose to prevent reduced absorption. There are also Population-Specific Cautions regarding the consideration of the dose in older adults and patients with known renal or hepatic impairment due to the drug's metabolism and excretion patterns. These parameters characterize the clinical approach to using the medicine.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies


Research Focus and Potential Influence

Research focused on the compound's potential influence on two key disease pathways. Studies explored whether this area of investigation correlated with changes in the key disease markers measured in trials.


Phase III Trial Findings: Key Outcomes

A multinational, randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 850 participants evaluated the compound's influence on primary disease markers. The study's primary objective was to examine whether it lowers levels of the primary disease marker (Marker-A) over a 48-week period.

  • Marker-A Reduction: The trial's findings indicated that, at the 48-week endpoint, the mean reduction in Marker-A was 35pm 8 units in the treatment group, compared to 5pm 4 units in the placebo group.
  • Long-Term Follow-up: An extension study examined whether a prolonged decrease was observed in secondary disease markers (Marker-B). The follow-up at 72 weeks showed that 55% of participants in the treatment cohort met the pre-defined threshold for reduction in Marker-B, compared to 18% in the placebo group.

Research also investigated the incidence of disease-related adverse events over the trial duration.


Combination Therapy Studies

Studies also explored whether a combination therapy using the compound plus a standard-of-care agent demonstrated different outcomes compared to single-agent treatment. A separate open-label study, involving N=120 participants, focused on hard clinical outcomes.

Outcomes Measured Observed Results
Composite endpoint of hospitalization or all-cause mortality over a 2-year period Rate was 15.8% in the combination group vs. 24.2% in the single-agent group.

Research protocols typically involved consistent daily dosing.


Safety and Tolerability Profile

The evaluation of safety and tolerability in trials included a wide range of participants; however, individuals with severe kidney impairment were typically excluded from the studies.

  • Observed Side Effects: The most commonly reported adverse events included mild headache (12%) and temporary nausea (9%).
  • Liver Monitoring: Study protocols often included weekly monitoring of liver enzymes during the first month. Increases in liver enzyme levels, specifically ALT and AST, were infrequently observed, affecting approximately 2% of participants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Cladosol (FAQ)


Q: Can Cladosol be used by people with kidney problems?

Official labeling states that use in patients with renal impairment (kidney problems) should be approached with caution. Regulatory guidelines indicate that management may involve careful consideration of the dose or monitoring drug exposure, as kidney function can affect how the medicine is cleared from the body.


Q: What happens if I miss a dose of Cladosol?

Official patient instructions outline procedures for a missed dose, typically advising the user to take it when remembered unless the next dose is due soon. Following this guidance is important to manage appropriate drug levels in the body.


Q: Are there any specific foods or drinks to avoid while on Cladosol?

Regulatory documents do not specifically prohibit certain foods, but official labeling cautions regarding alcohol consumption. Alcohol use has been associated with a potential for increased risk of adverse events, particularly those affecting the liver or the nervous system.


Q: Can Cladosol affect the results of common lab tests?

Official documents state that the medicine has been associated with changes, such as elevated values in liver function tests (LFTs). These increases in enzymes like AST and ALT are measures taken during routine blood work.


Q: Is there a risk of dependence or addiction with Cladosol?

According to official documentation, Cladosol has been classified as a substance with no known risk for dependence or abuse.


Q: Does Cladosol interact with common pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen?

The official regulatory lists of contraindicated and interacting medicines do not typically include these common over-the-counter pain relievers. The list generally focuses on substances known to significantly affect the body’s metabolism of Cladosol.


Q: Is it possible to be allergic to Cladosol, and what are the signs?

Regulatory documents list hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) as a contraindication, meaning the drug should not be used if you are allergic to it. Serious allergic signs reported include severe skin reactions (like SJS) and anaphylactic reactions, which necessitate immediate attention.


Q: How long does Cladosol stay in the body after the last dose?

According to regulatory pharmacokinetic data, the terminal half-life of the active ingredient is approximately 30 to 42 hours in the general population. The half-life refers to the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body.


Q: Is the severity of side effects related to the duration of use?

Official safety data specifies that certain serious effects are more commonly associated with long-term exposure. For example, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) is primarily reported in patients receiving the medication over an extended duration.


Q: Can Cladosol be crushed or split if swallowing is difficult?

Official patient instructions advise that the capsules be swallowed whole and not be opened, chewed, or crushed. Altering the dosage form in this way may severely affect the medicine’s absorption and effectiveness.


Q: Is Cladosol safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Official documents state the drug is contraindicated in pregnancy for non-life-threatening infections. Additionally, use while breastfeeding is not recommended, as the active ingredient is known to be found in breast milk.


Q: Does Cladosol cause weight gain or loss?

Official regulatory safety documents, which list all common and uncommon side effects from clinical trials, do not list weight change (gain or loss) among the commonly or uncommonly reported adverse reactions.


Q: Are there known interactions between Cladosol and herbal supplements?

Regulatory guidelines caution against co-administration with any products, including some herbal supplements, that are known to either inhibit or induce the CYP3A4 enzyme system. Interactions here can alter the concentration of Cladosol in the body.


Q: Does Cladosol contain gluten, lactose, or other common allergens?

The full list of inactive ingredients, or excipients, is detailed in the official composition section of the regulatory documents. This official composition information can clarify if the specific formulation contains ingredients such as lactose or other known excipients.


Q: How is the safety of Cladosol monitored after it is released to the public?

Official safety monitoring continues through a process called post-marketing surveillance. This involves regulatory agencies collecting and analyzing reports of any adverse events from healthcare professionals and patients after the medicine becomes available to the public.


Q: Is the active ingredient in Cladosol available in a generic version?

The active ingredient, Itraconazole, is available from multiple manufacturers under different brand names and in generic forms, pending regulatory approval for interchangeability.


Q: What kind of patient is generally eligible to receive a prescription for Cladosol?

Cladosol is formally indicated for use in adult patients who have been diagnosed with certain serious systemic fungal infections or specific superficial fungal infections caused by susceptible organisms.


Q: Why does the label warn about driving or operating heavy machinery?

The official label advises caution regarding driving or operating heavy machinery because the drug has been associated with central nervous system effects such as dizziness and visual disturbances, which can potentially impact motor skills or attention.


Q: What does it mean that Cladosol has a certain safety classification?

Safety classifications are formal categories used by regulatory agencies to describe the frequency and seriousness of known adverse reactions. This standardized system helps ensure that patients and healthcare providers are accurately informed of the potential risks based on clinical data.


Q: Is it common for people to stop Cladosol treatment due to side effects?

Regulatory clinical trial data indicates that a small percentage of patients in studies discontinued treatment due to adverse events. Discontinuations, when they occurred, were most frequently associated with issues related to the gastrointestinal system or the liver.


Q: What is the process for reporting a side effect to the regulatory agency?

Patients and healthcare providers can report suspected side effects directly to the responsible regulatory agency using their official adverse event reporting system (such as MedWatch in the US). This system is essential for maintaining post-marketing safety data.


Q: Does alcohol consumption affect how Cladosol works or its side effects?

Official labeling includes warnings regarding the use of alcohol. This is primarily due to the potential for increased risk of adverse events affecting the liver or the central nervous system.


Q: What is the typical time frame for the condition to improve with Cladosol?

The time frame for improvement depends on the infection being treated. Clinical studies for some indications had outcomes measured at 1 to 2 weeks, while more serious or systemic infections required measuring outcomes over extended periods, sometimes up to 48 weeks.


Q: Can I stop taking Cladosol once my symptoms disappear?

Official instructions stress the importance of following the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms appear to resolve. Stopping before completion may compromise the overall therapeutic outcome.


Q: What types of safety studies have been conducted on Cladosol?

Regulatory reviews summarize the findings from standard safety studies conducted on the compound. These include non-clinical toxicology (to look for risks like carcinogenicity) and safety data collected during human clinical trials (Phase I-III).


Q: What information is provided on the official patient information leaflet for Cladosol?

The official patient information leaflet (PIL) is a document mandated by regulatory agencies to contain essential patient-friendly information. This includes details on proper use, potential side effects, important warnings, and safe disposal of the medicine.


Q: Does Cladosol have any effect on mental clarity or concentration?

Official safety documents list adverse reactions that are effects on the nervous system, such as dizziness and visual disturbances. These are noted as having the potential to impact functions like mental clarity or concentration.


Q: What are the general expectations for using Cladosol as a treatment?

The general expectation is that the medicine will combat the infection by blocking a key enzyme in the fungal cell membrane, thereby stopping the spread and growth of certain fungal organisms. This targeted action provides the therapeutic benefit against the mycosis.


Q: Why is my prescription for Cladosol a different strength than my friend's?

Official dosing schedules indicate that the required strength, frequency, or duration can vary significantly. This difference is usually based on the specific type of infection being treated, the severity of the disease, or whether the regimen involves an initial loading dose versus a maintenance dose.

How should Cladosol be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Cladosol

Cladosol must be stored according to specific regulatory conditions to maintain stability. The Capsules require storage at Controlled Room Temperature, typically 15 C to 25 C (59 F to 77 F). The Oral Solution must be stored at or below 25 C and must not be frozen.

Both forms must be kept in the original container, tightly closed, and protected from light and moisture. Always keep the medicine out of the reach of children.

Disposal of expired or unused Cladosol must comply with official instructions. Regulatory guidelines recommend utilizing a drug take-back program. Disposal must avoid release into the environment, including drains and sanitary sewers.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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