Ketoconazole (By mouth)

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Introduction

Ketoconazole (kee-toe-KON-a-zole)

Treats fungal infections in the skin, throat, urinary tract, and lungs. Belongs to a class of drugs called antifungals.

Brand Name(s)

Nizoral

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

• 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.
• 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.
• To avoid stomach upset, ketoconazole may be taken with food or milk unless your doctor tells you differently.

If a dose is missed:

• Use your medicine as soon as you remember that you have missed your dose.
• 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.
• You should not use two doses at one time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Keep your medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
• 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.

• Certain drugs should not be used while using ketoconazole. Using these drugs can cause very serious medical problems, heart problems, or even death.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using antacids, Tagamet®, Pepcid®, Axid®, Zantac®, or Prilosec®.
• 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®).
• 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

• If you are pregnant or breast feeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• 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:

• Dark-colored urine
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Loss of appetite
• Pale colored stools
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Severe rash, hives, or itching
• Swelling in face, throat, or lips
• Unusual fatigue
• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Yellow skin and eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain