Blastomycosis is the name given to the disease caused by a type of fungus named Blastomyces dermatitidis. Despite the exotic-sounding name, this fungus is actually found in damp soil in various regions of the United States, including the Midwest and the South. A person infected with this fungus may feel symptoms that are like those of the flu--chills and a fever, muscle aches and pains, joint pain, and a wet, productive cough. Treatment is important to avoid serious complications, and even death, from this disease.
Itraconazole
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the antifungal medication itraconazole, also known by its brand name Sporanox, is a good choice for treating disease that is mild or moderate in severity. This medication works against the blastomyces fungus by interfering with the ability of the fungus to make cell walls; this slows the growth of the fungus. The Sporanox prescribing information lists liver damage, congestive heart failure, abdominal pain, and hearing loss as possible side effects of this medication. In addition, itraconazole may interact with a long list of other drugs including benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium); cholesterol-lowering drugs such as atorvastatin (Lipitor); and oral hypoglycemics, which are taken by patients with type 2 diabetes.
Ketoconazole
The National Institutes of Health suggests ketoconazole as another antifungal medication that may be used to treat blastomycosis infections. Pubmed Health, which is a website of the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, warns patients about the potential for liver-related side effects caused by ketoconazole. Because this medication may cause liver damage, people who drink alcohol, which itself can result in liver disease and liver failure, may be especially vulnerable to this side effect. Other possible side effects include depression--in severe cases this may deteriorate into suicidal thoughts and ideas. Stomach pain may also occur as an effect of taking ketoconazole. Finally, symptoms such as a rash or hives, difficulty breathing, and itchiness, may indicate that an allergic reaction to the medication is occurring; these symptoms should prompt the patient to seek medical attention.
Amphotericin B
The powerful medication amphotericin B should be used to treat patients with severe blastomycosis--for instance, if the central nervous system has been infected with the fungus. Other patients who may benefit from using this strong medication are those whose immune systems are suppressed due to disease or other drugs. Like itraconazole, this medication is an antifungal medication; unlike itraconazole, it cannot be taken by mouth. Instead, it is injected into fluid that is delivered, via an intravenous line, into the patient's body.The National Institutes of Health website MedlinePlus emphasizes that because this medication can cause such serious side effects, it should only be used in patients with life-threatening infection. These side effects include fever and chills; nausea and vomiting; fainting; seizures; weight loss; and bloody stools or "coffee-grounds" vomit.
