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Tremor: a newly described adverse event with long-term itraconazole therapy

Jodi M Lestner1, David W Denning

  • 1Department of Transitional Medicine, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. jodi.lestner@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|February 27, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Itraconazole, a common antifungal, may cause tremors in patients during long-term use. These tremors typically appear within months and resolve after discontinuing the medication.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Neurology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Itraconazole is a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal agent.
  • It is frequently prescribed for chronic fungal infections.
  • Long-term administration necessitates understanding potential adverse effects.

Observation:

  • Five cases of tremor were observed in patients undergoing itraconazole therapy.
  • Tremor onset occurred between 1 to 12 months after treatment initiation.
  • Symptoms were monitored during the course of antifungal treatment.

Findings:

  • A clear association between itraconazole use and tremor development was identified.
  • The neurological side effect manifested as tremor.
  • Gradual resolution of tremor was noted upon itraconazole withdrawal.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should be vigilant for tremor as a potential side effect of itraconazole.
  • Monitoring for neurological symptoms is crucial in patients on long-term itraconazole.
  • This finding may inform treatment guidelines and patient counseling for itraconazole therapy.

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