Ketoconazole Oral tablet Health Article

Generic name(s):

Ketoconazole Oral tablet

Brand name(s):

Nizoral

What is this medicine?

KETOCONAZOLE (kee toe KON na zole) is an antifungal medicine. It is used to treat certain kinds of fungal or yeast infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an alcohol abuse problem
• low stomach acid production
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to ketoconazole, itraconazole, miconazole, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine works best if you take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• alfuzosin
• cisapride
• conivaptan
• dofetilide
• eplerenone
• ergotamine, dihydroergotamine or methysergide
• medicines for high cholesterol like atorvastatin
• nevirapine
• pimozide
• quinidine
• sirolimus
• some medicines for anxiety or difficulty sleeping like alprazolam, midazolam or triazolam
• red yeast rice

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• atropine and related drugs like hyoscyamine, scopolamine, tolterodine and others
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• hormones like methylprednisolone or cortisone
• medicines for blood sugar
• medicines for stomach acid or heartburn
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• tacrolimus
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for check ups. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve. Some fungal infections can take many weeks or months of treatment to cure.

Avoid medicines for your stomach like antacids, anticholinergics, and acid blockers for at least two hours after taking this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.