The Core Ingredient: Supra-Bioavailable Itraconazole
At its core, Glospor SB 130's effectiveness hinges on its active ingredient: Itraconazole. Specifically, this is not a standard itraconazole but a "supra-bioavailable" formulation, meaning it is engineered for superior absorption. This is a crucial distinction, as conventional itraconazole can have variable and often poor absorption, especially without a full meal. By utilizing a specialized formulation, the body is able to absorb a higher percentage of the drug, leading to more predictable and effective treatment. The dosage for Glospor SB is 130 mg of Itraconazole per capsule.
How Itraconazole Works to Combat Fungi
Itraconazole belongs to a class of medications called azole antifungals. Its mechanism of action involves disrupting the fungal cell membrane, which is essential for the fungus's survival. The process works by:
- Inhibiting Ergosterol Synthesis: The drug specifically targets an enzyme responsible for producing ergosterol, a vital component of fungal cell membranes.
- Weakening the Cell Membrane: By inhibiting ergosterol production, itraconazole weakens and damages the fungal cell membranes. This compromises the membrane's integrity, preventing the entry of unwanted substances and causing the cell's contents to leak out.
- Killing the Fungus: This damage ultimately leads to the death of the fungal organism, clearing the infection.
Potential Inactive Ingredients (Excipients)
While the active ingredient, Itraconazole, is the therapeutic component, capsules also contain inactive ingredients, or excipients, to aid in stability, absorption, and delivery. While the exact excipients for Glospor SB 130 specifically are not detailed in the available search results, they often share components with similar itraconazole capsules, such as the branded product Sporanox®. Based on FDA documentation for standard itraconazole capsules, these can include:
- Sugar spheres: A common core material for drug pellets, containing sucrose, maize starch, and purified water.
- Hypromellose (Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose): Used as a binder, film-former, and matrix-forming excipient, particularly relevant for the HPMC capsules mentioned for Glospor SB.
- Polyethylene glycol: A solubilizing agent and plasticizer.
- Titanium dioxide: A coloring agent used for the capsule shell.
- Colorants: Various dyes, such as FD&C Blue No. 1 and D&C Red No. 22, are used to create the capsule's specific appearance.
- Other additives: Potential additions include polishing agents like shellac or other stabilizing substances.
It is important to note that the specific composition, especially for a specialized formulation like "Supra-Bioavailable Itraconazole in HPMC capsules," may differ slightly from the standard generic or branded versions mentioned. For the precise and complete list, a patient should consult the packaging insert provided by the manufacturer, Tricos Dermatologics Pvt Ltd, or discuss it with their prescribing physician.
Comparison of Glospor SB 130 and Standard Itraconazole
| Feature | Glospor SB 130 | Standard Itraconazole Capsules |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Supra-Bioavailable Itraconazole | Conventional Itraconazole |
| Formulation | HPMC capsules engineered for improved absorption. | Often sugar spheres coated with itraconazole within standard capsules. |
| Bioavailability | Enhanced and more consistent absorption, approximately double that of conventional formulations. | Variable absorption, which is better with a full meal. |
| Typical Dosage | 130 mg dose, leveraging improved absorption. | 100 mg capsules are common. |
| Benefit | Potentially faster results and better patient adherence due to enhanced absorption. | Standard effectiveness, but absorption can be less efficient depending on timing relative to food. |
Uses and Patient Considerations
Glospor SB 130 is prescribed to treat a range of fungal and yeast infections throughout the body, including:
- Fungal infections of the skin, such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch.
- Fungal infections of the nails (onychomycosis).
- Systemic fungal infections affecting the lungs, mouth, or throat.
- Yeast infections (candidiasis), including oral thrush and vaginal yeast infections.
Patients should be aware of important safety considerations and precautions. Glospor SB should be used with caution in individuals with liver or kidney disease and is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks. It can also interact with numerous other medications, so a full review of all prescriptions and supplements with a doctor is essential.
Conclusion
In summary, the key ingredient in Glospor SB 130 is a potent antifungal agent, itraconazole, delivered in a specialized "supra-bioavailable" formulation to maximize absorption and therapeutic effect. While specific excipients are proprietary to the manufacturer, they serve to facilitate the delivery of the active drug. This enhanced formulation distinguishes Glospor SB from conventional itraconazole capsules, offering a more efficient treatment option for a variety of fungal infections. Given its medical potency and potential for drug interactions, it is a prescription-only medication that should be taken exactly as directed by a healthcare professional.
For more information on itraconazole, consult an authoritative source like the Mayo Clinic's entry on itraconazole: Itraconazole (Oral Route).
