Brand name: Keto tab (Nizoral, Ketoconazole)
Pronounced: NYE-zore-al
Generic name: Ketoconazole
Why is Ketotab prescribed?

Ketotab, 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 Ketotab

In some people, Ketotab may cause serious or even fatal damage to the liver. Before starting to take Ketotab, 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 Ketotab?

Take Ketotab 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 Ketotab 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 KETO TAB (Nizoral, Ketoconazole)

Ketotab should be stored at room temperature.
Ketotab side effects

Side effects from Ketotab 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 Ketotab.

* Side effects may include:
Nausea, vomiting

Why should Ketotab not be prescribed?

Do not take Ketotab if you are sensitive to it or have ever had an allergic reaction to it. Never take Ketotab together with Seldane, Hismanal, Halcion, or Propulsid. Rare, but sometimes fatal reactions have been reported when these drugs are combined.
Special warnings about Ketotab

In rare cases, people have had anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction) after taking their first dose of Ketotab.

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 Ketotab

If Ketotab 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 Ketotab 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. Ketotab should be taken during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the possible harm to your unborn child.

Since Ketotab 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 Ketotab.
Recommended dosage for Ketotab

ADULTS
Overdosage

Although no specific information is available, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Ketotab, seek medical attention immediately.