home > drugs a-z list > nizoral (ketoconazole) drug center > nizoral (ketoconazole) drug - consumer uses and warnings

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

KETOCONAZOLE - ORAL

(kee-toe-CON-uh-zole)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Nizoral

WARNING: Rarely, ketoconazole has caused severe (sometimes fatal) liver problems. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of liver problems such as persistent nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, unusual tiredness. To reduce your risk for liver problems, your doctor will monitor liver function tests while you are taking this medication. Do not drink alcohol while taking ketoconazole because alcohol increases the risk of serious liver problems.

Ketoconazole must not be used with certain other medications because a serious, possibly fatal, drug interaction may occur. Ketoconazole interacts with drugs such as amiodarone, cisapride, dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, macrolide antibiotics including erythromycin, among others. These interactions may increase the risk of a certain condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications and products you may be taking before you start ketoconazole treatment.

USES: This drug is used to treat certain fungal infections in the body or serious fungal infections on the skin and nails. Ketoconazole belongs to the class of drugs called azole antifungals. It works by stopping the growth of the fungus.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used to treat certain protozoal infections, Cushing's syndrome, advanced prostate cancer, and high calcium levels in the blood from sarcoidosis or tuberculosis.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually once a day or as directed by your doctor. This medication may be taken with or without food, but taking it with food helps to reduce stomach upset.

If you are taking an antacid, take ketoconazole at least 2 hours before taking the antacid, otherwise ketoconazole may not be absorbed into the body. See also Drug Interactions for more information.

The dosage and length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on weight. It may take from several days to several months to complete treatment.

This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

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 fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.