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
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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.
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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.
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To avoid stomach upset, ketoconazole may be taken with food or milk unless your doctor tells you differently.
If a dose is missed:
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Use your medicine as soon as you remember that you have missed your dose.
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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.
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You should not use two doses at one time.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
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Keep your medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
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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.
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Certain drugs should not be used while using ketoconazole. Using these drugs can cause very serious medical problems, heart problems, or even death.
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using antacids, Tagamet®, Pepcid®, Axid®, Zantac®, or Prilosec®.
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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®).
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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:
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If you are pregnant or breast feeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
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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:
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Dark-colored urine
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Fast or irregular heartbeat
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Loss of appetite
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Pale colored stools
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Severe nausea or vomiting
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Severe rash, hives, or itching
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Swelling in face, throat, or lips
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Unusual fatigue
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Wheezing or trouble breathing
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Yellow skin and eyes
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
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Mild nausea or vomiting
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Stomach pain
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
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