Brand
name: Nizoral
Pronounced: NYE-zore-al
Generic name: Ketoconazole
Why is Nizoral prescribed?
Nizoral, a broad-spectrum antifungal drug available in tablet form,
may be given to treat several fungal infections within the body, including
oral thrush and candidiasis.
It may also be given to treat severe, hard-to-treat fungal skin infections
that have not cleared up after treatment with creams or ointments,
or the oral drug griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Grisactin).
Most important fact about Nizoral
In some people, Nizoral may cause serious or even fatal damage to
the liver. Before starting to take Nizoral, and at frequent intervals
while you are taking it, you should have blood tests to evaluate your
liver function. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any
signs or symptoms that could mean liver damage: these include unusual
fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, jaundice, dark urine,
or pale stools.
How should you take Nizoral without prescriptions?
Take Nizoral exactly as prescribed.
You should keep taking the drug until tests show that your fungal
infection has subsided. If you stop too soon, the infection might return.
You may want to take Nizoral Tablets with meals to avoid stomach upset.
Avoid alcohol and do not take with antacids. If antacids are necessary,
you should wait 2 to 3 hours before taking them.
If you miss a dose -
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. This will help to
keep the proper amount of medicine in the body. However, if it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your
regular schedule. Do not take double doses.
Storage instructions --
Nizoral should be stored at room temperature.
Nizoral (Ketoconazole) side effects
Side effects from Nizoral cannot be anticipated. If any develop or
change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your
doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Nizoral.
* Side effects may include:
Nausea, vomiting
Why should Nizoral not be prescribed?
Do not take Nizoral if you are sensitive to it or have ever had an
allergic reaction to it. Never take Nizoral together with Seldane,
Hismanal, Halcion, or Propulsid. Rare, but sometimes fatal reactions
have been reported when these drugs are combined.
Special warnings about Nizoral
In rare cases, people have had anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic
reaction) after taking their first dose of Nizoral.
Observe caution when driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness,
due to potential side effects of headache, dizziness, and drowsiness.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Nizoral
If Nizoral is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Nizoral with the following:
Alcoholic beverages
Antacids such as Di-Gel, Maalox, Mylanta, and others
Anticoagulants such as Coumadin, Dicumarol, and others
Anti-ulcer medications such as Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac
Astemizole (Hismanal)
Cisapride (Propulsid)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Drugs that relieve spasms, such as Donnatal
Isoniazid (Nydrazid)
Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Midazolam (Versed)
Oral diabetes drugs such as Diabinese and Micronase
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, and Rimactane)
Tacrolimus (Prograf)
Terfenadine (Seldane)
Theophyllines (Slo-Phyllin, Theo-Dur, others)
Triazolam (Halcion)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. Nizoral should be taken during pregnancy only if the benefit
outweighs the possible harm to your unborn child.
Since Nizoral can probably make its way into breast milk, it should
not be taken during breastfeeding. If you are a new mother, check with
your doctor. You may need to stop breastfeeding while you are taking
Nizoral.
Recommended dosage for Nizoral
ADULTS
Overdosage
Although no specific information is available, any medication taken
in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose
of Nizoral, seek medical attention immediately.
