Medications and Drugs

Take the MRSA Quiz! Strep or Sore Throat Slideshow Pictures Infectious Mononucleosis Slideshow Pictures

Brand Names: Nizoral

Generic Name: ketoconazole (Pronunciation: KEE toe KON a zole)

• 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?

What is ketoconazole (Nizoral)?

Ketoconazole is an antifungal antibiotic.

Ketoconazole is used to treat infections caused by fungus, which can invade any part of the body including the mouth, throat, esophagus, lungs, bladder, or skin.

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

Ketoconazole 200 mg-MUT

round, white, imprinted with MP 500

Ketoconazole 200 mg-TAR

round, white, imprinted with T 57

Ketoconazole 200 mg-TEV

round, white, imprinted with 93 900

Nizoral 200 mg

round, white, imprinted with JANSSEN, NIZORAL

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

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

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat;
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• numbness or tingly feeling;
• severe depression, confusion, or thoughts of hurting yourself; or
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, weakness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;
• mild itching or skin rash;
• headache;
• dizziness;
• breast swelling; or
• impotence or loss of interest in sex.

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)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ketoconazole, or if you are also taking triazolam (Halcion).

Before taking ketoconazole, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, a heart rhythm disorder, decreased stomach acid (achlorhydria), or a history of "Long QT syndrome."

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Ketoconazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Avoid taking antacids or stomach acid reducers (Tagamet, Pepcid, Axid, Zantac, and others) for at least 2 hours after you have taken your dose of ketoconazole. These medications can make it harder for the ketoconazole tablet to dissolve in your stomach.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may cause unpleasant side effects while you are taking ketoconazole.