KETOCONAZOLE - ORAL (kee-toe-CON-uh-zole)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Nizoral
WARNING:
This medication has caused severe, even fatal, liver problems. Notify your doctor
immediately if you develop dark urine, abdominal or stomach pain, yellowing
of the skin or eyes, or unusual fatigue. Cisapride must not be used when using
ketoconazole. Serious heart problems could result. You will be closely monitored
while using this medication.
USES:
This medication is used to treat a wide variety of fungal infections.
HOW TO USE:
Take as directed by your doctor. It is usually given as a single daily dose.
It may be taken with a meal or snack to alleviate stomach upset. It may take
from several days to several months to complete treatment. This depends upon
the type and location of the infection. Take this drug at least 2 hours before
taking any antacid or acid-reducing drugs. Continue to take this medication
until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after
a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow the infection to continue,
resulting in a return of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS:
You may experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, menstrual
irregularities, impotence, increased sensitivity of eyes to light, breast tenderness
or enlargement, or headache as your body adjusts to the medication. If these
symptoms persist or get worse, contact your doctor. Notify your doctor if you
experience: loss of appetite, dark urine, pale stools, yellowing of the eyes
or skin, soreness of the mouth/tongue/throat, fatigue. In the unlikely event
you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness,
trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS (Know Before you Buy Online):
Tell your doctor your medical history especially: liver disease, history of
alcohol use, digestion problems, any drug allergies. Do not consume alcoholic
beverages while taking this drug. This medication should be used during pregnancy
only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Ketoconazole
may be excreted into breast milk. The manufacturer of this drug recommends you
do not breast-feed while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS (Know Before you Buy Online):
This drug is not recommended for use with: nevirapine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more details. Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs
you may use, especially: drugs used for ulcers or heartburn (e.g., cimetidine
or omeprazole-like drugs), antacids, certain antihistamines (terfenadine, astemizole),
warfarin, phenytoin, rifampin, rifabutin, cisapride, certain anticholinergic
drugs (e.g., propantheline), indinavir. Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately.
NOTES:
This medication is prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it
for another infection or share it with others. Another infection later on may
require a different medicine.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for
the next dose, take the missed dose and the scheduled dose 12 hours apart, then
resume your usual dosing schedule.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the
bathroom.
