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ketoconazole - oral, Nizoral

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GENERIC NAME: KETOCONAZOLE - ORAL (kee-toe-CON-uh-zole)

BRAND NAME(S): Nizoral

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

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 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.

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