Bit of a panic over anti fungal medication- if you have any medical knowledge of this drug can you help reassure me please

[Spidergirl8]

I'm not sure if anyone has any experience or knowledge for a drug called 'itraconazole'? I have been prescribed this for a toe nail infection that I've had for over a decade, which has spread to 70% of my toe nails.
I saw the doc and he prescribed me 2 7 day courses, taking 1 100mg dose, twice a day and then stopping for 4 weeks and taking the same again.
He asked to seeme after a month. The doctor I first saw wasn't available so I saw another doctor at the surgery.
He was very abrupt and asked me if I was taking this for cosmetic reasons and really I should think about the affects of the medicine, rather than just wanting to remove a minor condition. I explained that I am not doing for cosmetics reasons but to prevent passing on to my kids, my DH has caught it from me.
He then said the dose I've been taking is wrong and I need to take another course of 2, 100mg tablets twice a day, 21 days after finishing my current 100mg twice a day.

I asked why the other doctor had prescribed a different amount and he said that he was going by the book and perhaps the other Doctor had more experience with the drug. I asked about the affect on my liver and he said, well there's always a risk.
I don't want to damage my over, heart etc? Is this drug unsafe? Does anyone know why I have different prescriptions from different doctors? Thanks for any advice.

I don't know, but would go & talk to your local pharmacist. They often have a far better knowledge of drugs than the GPs.

As an aside, I had recurrent athletes foot & saw something on the Chiorphodists Society website that recommended wiping the area with surgical spirit every time after bathing. I've followed this & am keeping on with it & have had no more infection.

Hope you get an answer soon.

thanks magi. I think it goes into the root, on seven of my toenails. will try your tip though!

If you read through the data sheets on medications they have to list all the potential side effects which -could- occur. They will all include liver failure, D&V, stomach upsets.

It's a good idea to check with the pharmacist. I don't know about the drug you have been prescribed but I do know toe nail fungal infections can take a long time to shift.
Having said all that, the 2nd GP hasn't exactly got a good 'bedside manner'.

Thanks DPotter, my aunt is a surgeon and she also mentioned risk to liver on this medication. I know I'm probably just being a worry wart, but the doc gave me no reassurances and I have to say I feel exhausted whilst on them, though I do have a cold too! Forgot where I'd parked the car today, I have never done that before.