GENERIC NAME: ketoconazole
BRAND NAME: Nizoral
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Ketoconazole is an antifungal
medication. Fungi are organisms normally found on the skin and
in moist
areas of the body. When the skin is injured or chronically
moistened, or
normal bacteria flora of the body are altered due to prolonged
antibiotic
treatment, fungus can proliferate to cause inflammation of the
skin or
moist body areas. Fungus organisms can also infect the lungs
and other
body tissues especially in patients with weakened immune
systems.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 200 mg; Shampoo: 2%; Cream:2%.
STORAGE: Ketoconazole tablets: store at 59-86degrees F,
protect
from moisture. Ketaconazole shampoo: store at a temperature not
above 77
degrees F, protect from light.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Ketoconazole is used to treat a variety
of
fungal infections. Examples of these fungal infections include
candida
infections of the skin or mouth (thrush), blastomycosis,
histoplasmosis,
coccidiomycosis, and others. Ketoconazole is also used to treat
fungal
infections that have not responded to griseofulvin, another
antifungal
medication.
DOSING: Ketoconazole may be taken with or without food.
Ketoconazole tablets need the acidity of the stomach to
dissolve.
Therefore, ketoconazole should be administered at least two
hours before
taking antacids or acid-inhibiting medications (such as Tagamet
or
Zantac).
Ketoconazole should be avoided by patients with liver
dysfunction. Signs
of liver problems include unusual fatigue, loss of appetite,
nausea and
vomiting, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), dark urine, and
pale stools. Development
of these symptoms while taking ketoconazole should be reported
to the
physician.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Ketoconazole should not be
administered
together with antihistamines terfenadine (Seldane) and
astemizole
(Hismanal), or with cisapride (Propulsid), because of increased
risk of
serious heart side effects. Ketoconazole should not be taken
with the
sedative triazolam (Halcion), because of risk of excessive
sedation.
Digoxin (Lanoxin) and phenytoin (Dilantin) levels should be
monitored when
taking ketoconazole. Tuberculosis
medications INH and rifampin lower the blood levels of ketoconazole.
Ketoconazole taken with alcohol can cause flushing, rash, swelling, headache, and nausea. Ketoconazole
shampoo can
irritate the eyes, and should be used with caution.
Ketoconazole is
avoided in children.
PREGNANCY: Ketoconazole is avoided during pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: Ketoconazole is avoided in nursing
mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Ketoconazole is generally well tolerated.
Ketoconazole can cause rash, itching, nausea and/or vomiting,
abdominal
pain, headache, dizziness, fatigue, impotence, and blood count
abnormalities. Rarely, ketoconazole has caused a reaction
resulting in
serious lowering of the blood pressure and shock (anaphylaxis).
Also
rarely, ketoconazole has caused severe depression, hair loss,
and tingling
sensations. Ketoconazole shampoo has been reported to result in
loss of
curl of permanently waved hair.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- Tinea Versicolor - Read about causes and treatments for Tinea Versicolor, a common, but unsightly skin condition that is neither permanent nor serious. Source:MedicineNet
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Back to Medications IndexLast Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
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