Ketoconazole

Uses

Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat conditions such as athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, and yeast infections.

Ketoconazole (Trade name Nizoral) is an antifungal medication used to treat tinea infections (athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch) and yeasts infections, such as candida and malassezia. With fungal infections in the finger or toenails, it's often used when other forms of treatment have failed. It works by slowing the growth of fungi that cause infection. It can also be used to treat dandruff.

Dosing

Ketoconazole is taken as a capsule by mouth once a day. It should be taken at the same time each day, and may take several weeks or months before the infection has cleared. It's most effective when taken after a fatty meal and with an acidic beverage, such as orange juice.

It can also come in a cream/shampoo for the treatment of Tinea versicolor or dandruff.

Side Effects

Side effects are generally mild and uncommon. They may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, hepatitis, allergic skin rash, enlarged breasts (in males), alopecia and impotence. If you experience persistent stomach pain or depression, notify your doctor. If taken in high doses, it can also decrease the sperm count.

Notes of Precaution

Notify your doctor if you are allergic to ketoconazole, other antifungal medications such as fluconazole, itraconazole, or voriconazole, or any other medications, as well as corn.

Notify your doctor if you are taking any other medication as ketoconazole can interact with other medications.

If you are taking antacids, antihistamines, medications for heartburn or ulcers, famotidine, nizatidine, ranitidine, or medications for irritable bowel disease, motion sickness, Parkinson's disease, ulcers, or urinary problems, do not take them for two hours after you've taken Ketoconazole.

Notify your doctor if you have any conditions that decrease the amount of acid in your stomach.

Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to be pregnant, or breastfeeding. Ketoconazole should not be taken during pregnancy.

If you drink alcohol while you are taking Ketoconazole, you may experience additional side effects.

* Store Ketoconazole at room temperature and keep out of the reach of children.