ketoconazole

Ketoconazole is an azole antifungal medication used to treat certain serious fungal infections. Ketoconazole is in the same family of drugs as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and miconazole (Micatin, Monistat). It prevents growth of several types of fungi by preventing production of the membranes that surround fungal cells. The FDA approved ketoconazole in June 1981.

What brand names are available for ketoconazole?

Nizoral, Nizoral A-D, Ketodan, Extina, Xolegel, Kuric

Is ketoconazole available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Do I need a prescription for ketoconazole?

Yes

Ketoconazole generally is well tolerated. Commonly reported side effects of ketoconazole are:

• rash,
• itching,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• abdominal pain,
• headache,
• dizziness,
• fatigue,
• impotence, and
• blood count abnormalities.

Other important side effects of ketoconazole are rare; they include:

• serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis),
• severe depression,
• hair loss, and
• tingling sensations.

Liver dysfunction also has been reported. 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 a physician.

Ketoconazole may be taken with or without food. The oral dose range is 200-400 mg daily. Recurrent tinea versicolor is treated with 400 mg monthly. Topical formulations are administered to affected areas once or twice daily.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already know of any possible drug interactions and may be watching out for them. Check with your doctor, health care professional or pharmacist before starting, stoping, or changing the dosage of any medicine.

Ketoconazole has:

• severe interactions with at least 33 different drugs
• serious interactions with at least 202 different drugs
• moderate interactions with at least 241 different drugs
• mild interactions with at least 105 different drugs

This information does not contain all possible drug interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the medications and supplements you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Contact your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns or for more information about this medicine.

A small amount of ketoconazole is secreted in breast milk. Nursing mothers should probably avoid breastfeeding while using ketoconazole.

What preparations of ketoconazole are available?

Tablets: 200 mg; Shampoo: 1% and 2%; Cream: 2%, Gel: 2%, Foam: 2%

How should I keep ketoconazole stored?

• Store tablets at room temperature, 15 C to 25 C (59 F to 77 F) and protected from moisture.
• Store shampoo 1% between 2 C to 30 C (35 F to 86 F) and protected from light and freezing.
• Store shampoo 2% at or below 25 C (77 F) and protected from light.
• Store cream and foam at room temperature, 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).
• Store gel between 15C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).