Ketoconazole tablets
What do ketoconazole tablets do?
KETOCONAZOLE (Nizoral(R)) is an antifungal type of antibiotic. It treats fungal infections such as ringworm of the body (tinea corporis), ringworm of the groin (tinea cruris or jock itch), sun fungus (tinea versicolor, pityriasis versicolor), dandruff, and other systemic (throughout the body) fungal infections. Generic ketoconazole oral tablets are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take ketoconazole?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• an alcohol abuse problem
• low stomach acid production (achlorhydria or hypochlorhydria)
• liver disease
• other chronic illness
• an unusual or allergic reaction to ketoconazole, itraconazole, miconazole, other foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take ketoconazole tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Ketoconazole works best if you take it with food. If you have a low production of stomach acid you may have to take your tablets dissolved in dilute hydrochloric acid. Drink this mixture through a straw to avoid contact with the teeth. Then drink a glass of water, swishing it round your teeth before you swallow. Do not take or use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
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 other medicines can interact with ketoconazole?
• alcohol
• amphoteracin B
• antacids
• astemizole
• cisapride
• cyclosporine
• didanosine (ddI)
• dofetilide
• hormones such as prednisone or cortisone
• isoniazid
• medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems
• medicines for stomach ulcers and other stomach problems
• pimozide
• quinidine
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• terfenadine
• tolbutamide
• warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking ketoconazole?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• dark yellow or brown urine
• loss of appetite
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• skin rash, itching
• stomach pain
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• breast swelling and tenderness, or sexual difficulties (impotence) in men
• drowsiness or dizziness
• eyes get more sensitive to light
• nausea, vomiting