home > drugs a-z list > nizoral (ketoconazole) drug center > nizoral (ketoconazole) drug - patient how to take

Recommended Topic Related To:

Nizoral

Ringworm facts

  • Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin and is not due to a worm.
  • The medical term for ringworm is tinea. The condition is further named for the site of the body where the infection occurs.
  • Ringworm causes a scaly, crusted rash that may itch.
  • Ringworm can be successfully treated with antifungal medications used either topically or orally.

What does the term ringworm mean?

The term ringworm or ringworms refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. The name is derived from the early belief that the infection was due to a worm, which it is not. Ringworm is a fungal infection in the skin. Nevertheless, the name ringworm remains. Some of these fungi produce round spots on the skin, but many do not. On the other hand, many round, red spots on the skin are not due to a fungal infection. A physical examination of the affected s...

Nizoral

font size

Nizoral Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ketoconazole (Nizoral)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ketoconazole, or if you are also taking triazolam (Halcion).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take ketoconazole:

  • decreased stomach acid (achlorhydria);
  • liver disease;
  • kidney disease;
  • a heart rhythm disorder; or
  • a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ketoconazole is harmful to an unborn baby. Before you take this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Ketoconazole may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take ketoconazole (Nizoral)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Ketoconazole works best if you take it with food.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Ketoconazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your liver function may need to be checked with blood tests on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store ketoconazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Related Drug Centers

Nizoral - User Reviews

Nizoral User Reviews

Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.

Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Nizoral sorted by most helpful. Patient Discussions FAQs

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


Women's Health

Find out what women really need.