Drug Name: ketoconazole
Brand Names: Nizoral
Generic Name: ketoconazole
Uses: Ketoconazole is used for the treatment of fungal infections like candida infections of the skin or mouth, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis and coccidiomycosis. It is also used for the treatment of fungal infections that cannot be treated by other antifungal medications like griseofulvin. Fungi are normally found on the skin and in moist areas of the body and they can reproduce to cause inflammation in these areas. Fungi can also infect the lungs and other body tissues of individuals especially those that have a weak immune system. Ketoconazole works by slowing down the growth of fungi that are causing the infections.
How to use: Ketoconazole comes in tablet forms and is usually taken once a day. It may be taken with or without food. The drug may take several weeks or months for the infection to cure completely. Unless directed by your doctor, medication should not be stopped even of you begin to feel better. Your infection may come back after a while if you decide to stop the treatment without first consulting your doctor.
Side Effects: Stomach pain and depression are the less serious side effects of ketoconazole. However, you still need to inform your doctor about these especially if they become bothersome and do not go away. Rare cases of rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, low blood pressure, anaphylaxis and suicidal tendencies can also occur. Contact your doctor immediately upon suspecting these symptoms.
Precautions: Ketoconazole should be avoided during pregnancy and by nursing mothers. If you have or ever had liver disease, you need to inform your doctor about this before taking ketoconazole.
Drug Interaction: Antacids, antihistamines, medications for heartburn or ulcers and medications for irritable bowel disease, motion sickness, Parkinson’s disease or urinary problems must be taken 2 hours after you take ketoconazole. These may have certain interactions with ketoconazole and may be harmful or may affect the effectiveness of the drug. Other medications that may interact with ketoconazole are alprazolam, anticoagulants, calcium channel blockers, cyclosporine, diazepam, digoxin, erythromycin, HIV protease inhibitors, and medications for diabetes and for erectile dysfunction. Be sure to talk to your doctor first about these medications before starting your treatment.
Overdose: Get emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose.
Notes: Before undergoing any laboratory test, inform the doctor or laboratory personnel that you are taking ketoconazole. Don’t let anybody take your medication.
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as remembered. If it is however almost time for the next one, just skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never double up your doses.
Important Note: Ketoconazole when taken in high doses may cause a decrease in the production of male reproductive cells. Talk to your doctor first before starting the treatment especially if you would like to have children.
Storage: Ketoconazole should be kept at room temperature and kept away from excess heat and moisture.
For more ketoconazole information, visit:
