Nizoral

Nizoral

     * Generic Name: ketoconazole
     * Brand Name: Nizoral


     * What is ketoconazole (Nizoral)?
     * What are the possible side effects of ketoconazole (Nizoral)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       ketoconazole (Nizoral)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       ketoconazole (Nizoral)?
     * How should I take ketoconazole (Nizoral)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Nizoral)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Nizoral)?
     * What should I avoid while taking ketoconazole (Nizoral)?
     * What other drugs will affect ketoconazole (Nizoral)?
     * Where can I get more information (Nizoral)?

What is ketoconazole (Nizoral)?

   Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that fights infections
   caused by fungus.

   Ketoconazole is not for use in treating fungal infections of the
   fingernails or toenails. This medicine is also not for use in treating
   prostate cancer or Cushing syndrome.

   This medicine should be used only when you cannot use other
   antifungal medications. Ketoconazole can cause serious harm to your
   liver that may result in liver transplant or cause death.

   Ketoconazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of ketoconazole (Nizoral)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; fever; difficulty breathing, chest pain; swelling of your face,
   lips, tongue, or throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast
       or pounding heartbeats;
     * unusual weakness or tired feeling, nausea and vomiting; or
     * liver problems--upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling,
       loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools,
       jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

   Common side effects may include:
     * mild nausea or stomach pain;
     * diarrhea; or
     * headache.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about ketoconazole
(Nizoral)?

   This medicine should be used only when you cannot use other antifungal
   medications. Ketoconazole can cause serious harm to your liver that may
   result in liver transplant or cause death.

   Call your doctor at once if you have any signs of liver damage, such as
   nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite,
   dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or
   eyes).

   Some medicines can interact with ketoconazole and should not be used at
   the same time. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if
   you use any of the following drugs: alprazolam, cisapride,
   dihydroergotamine, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, eplerenone,
   ergotamine, lovastatin, methadone, midazolam, nisoldipine,
   pimozide, quinidine, ranolazine, simvastatin, or triazolam. Certain
   drug interactions can cause life-threatening irregular heartbeats.

   Call your doctor right away if you have a headache with chest pain and
   severe dizziness, and fast or pounding heartbeats.

   Nizoral Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Fungal Infections: Fungus Among Us

   Fungal Infections Slideshow: Fungus Among Us
   RxList

   Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
   Hepatitis C: Transmission, Symptoms and Treatment

   Hepatitis C Slideshow Pictures

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

   You should not use ketoconazole if you are allergic to it, or if you
   have liver disease.

   Some medicines can interact with ketoconazole and should not be used at
   the same time. Certain drug interactions can cause life-threatening
   irregular heartbeats. Your doctor may need to change your treatment
   plan if you use any of the following drugs:
     * alprazolam, midazolam, or triazolam;
     * cisapride or pimozide;
     * dihydroergotamine or ergotamine;
     * disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, eplerenone, nisoldipine,
       quinidine, or ranolazine;
     * lovastatin or simvastatin; or
     * methadone.

   To make sure ketoconazole is safe for you, tell your doctor if you
   have:
     * any history of liver problems;
     * problems with your adrenal gland;
     * personal or family history of long QT syndrome; or
     * if you also use certain antibiotics, heart rhythm medication,
       migraine headache medicine, anti-malaria medication, or
       medicine to treat depression or mental illness.

   It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are pregnant.

   Ketoconazole can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You
   should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

   Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take ketoconazole (Nizoral)?

   Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have
   conditions that would prevent you from safely using ketoconazole.

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the
   same symptoms you have.

   While using ketoconazole, you may need frequent blood tests to check
   your liver function.

   Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your
   symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.
   Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is
   resistant to antifungal medicine. Ketoconazole will not treat a
   viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Nizoral Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Fungal Infections: Fungus Among Us

   Fungal Infections Slideshow: Fungus Among Us
   RxList

   Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
   Hepatitis C: Transmission, Symptoms and Treatment

   Hepatitis C Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Nizoral)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Nizoral)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking ketoconazole (Nizoral)?

   Avoid taking antacids, stomach acid reducers, or medicines to treat
   stomach ulcer or gastroesophageal reflux disease (Axid,
   Nexium, Pepcid, Prevacid Prilosec, sucralfate,
   Tagamet, Zantac, and others). These medications can make it
   harder for your body to absorb ketoconazole.

   Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage while
   you are taking ketoconazole.

What other drugs will affect ketoconazole (Nizoral)?

   Many drugs can interact with ketoconazole. This includes prescription
   and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all
   possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your
   medications and any you start or stop using during treatment with
   ketoconazole. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare
   provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information (Nizoral)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about ketoconazole.
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