Ketoconazole (By Mouth)

Ketoconazole (kee-toe-KOE-na-zole)

Treats fungal infections in the skin, throat, urinary tract, and lungs. Belongs to a class of drugs called antifungals.

Brand Name(s):

Nizoral
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to ketoconazole, miconazole (Monistat®), or fluconazole (Diflucan®). Ketoconazole should not be used with terfenadine (Seldane®), astemizole (Hismanal®), cisapride (Propulsid®), or triazolam (Halcion®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Take your ketoconazole until it is gone or until your doctor tells you to stop. If you stop taking the medicine too soon, your infection may return.
• To avoid stomach upset, ketoconazole may be taken with food or milk unless your doctor tells you differently.

If a dose is missed:

• Use your medicine as soon as you remember that you have missed your dose.
• Skip the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at one time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Keep your medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Certain drugs should not be used while using ketoconazole. Using these drugs can cause very serious medical problems, heart problems, or even death.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using antacids, Tagamet®, Pepcid®, Axid®, Zantac®, or Prilosec®.
• Also, tell your doctor if you are using cyclosporine (Sandimmune®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), isoniazid (INH®), methylprednisolone, midazolam (Versed®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), rifampin (Rifadin®), tacrolimus (Prograf®), or warfarin (Coumadin®).
• Your doctor may want to test your blood while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breast feeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• Before using ketoconazole, tell your doctor if you have stomach disorders, liver disease, or drink alcohol more than once a week.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Dark-colored urine
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Loss of appetite
• Pale colored stools
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Severe rash, hives, or itching
• Swelling in face, throat, or lips
• Unusual fatigue
• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Yellow skin and eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.