Sporanox is the trade name for the antifungal drug, itraconazole. The drug can be taken by mouth, as capsules or liquid, or given by injection. It interrupts fungal growth by interfering with the organism's attempts to build a cell membrane, the protective barrier that each fungal cell uses to wall itself off from its surroundings (imagine if something was preventing your body from maintaining your skin - you would have difficulty surviving).

Sporanox is used for the treatment of various fungal infections, including tissue and lung infections, and onychomycosis (fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails). People who have problems with their immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients and AIDS patients, are more susceptible to fungal infection, and this powerful drug is useful for treating their diseases. When the problem is uncomplicated onychomycosis, however, the drug is only recommended for people with healthy, normal immune systems.

Sporanox is used for fungal nail infections, but it is probably not the best, or the most popular choice. Studies indicate that it may only work about half of the time, and potential Sporanox side effects range from mild to extremely serious. Itraconazole should not be given to pregnant women, to anyone who has a history of congestive heart failure, or to anyone thought to be allergic to Sporanox or related drugs. Rarely, patients have suffered serious liver damage, and dangerous interactions with other drugs are also a concern.

When Sporanox is used for serious life threatening fungal infections, the benefit may outweigh the risk; however, for a simple fungal nail infection, patients should weigh possible Sporanox side effects, and the probability of success, against the primarily cosmetic benefit. Is Sporanox worth it? Patients should talk with their doctors about the alternatives for treatment. There are other prescription drugs available (none come without side effects, however) that work better.

There is also a host of natural remedies and traditional treatments which, while not clinically tested, are generally much cheaper and safer than the prescription drugs. When the problem is not serious, these consumer-tested remedies are worth a look. Most of them are topical remedies, so the risk of Sporanox side effects, or other problems related to an oral medication, are removed. When natural remedies are taken orally, they consist of everyday foods or herbal mixtures (herbs can be toxic too, so do your own research) unlikely to cause problems. Unless there is some compelling reason to use it, Sporanox is not the best choice.