Drug Name

Nizoral (Ketoconazole)

Drug Uses

Nizoral is used for treating fungal infections. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Nizoral as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take Nizoral by mouth with or without food.

Do not take an antacid within 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take Nizoral . If you are also taking an anticholinergic (eg, hyoscyamine), an H2 antagonist (eg, famotidine), or a proton pump inhibitor (eg, omeprazole), take Nizoral at least 2 hours before the H2 antagonist, proton pump inhibitor, or anticholinergic.

To clear up your infection completely, take Nizoral for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.

Nizoral works best if it is taken at the same time each day.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Nizoral is an azole antifungal. It kills sensitive fungi by interfering with the formation of the fungal cell membrane.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Nizoral , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Nizoral tablets: store at 59-86degrees F, protect from moisture. Nizoral shampoo: store at a temperature not above 77 degrees F, protect from light.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Nizoral if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Nizoral
• you have a fungal infection in the brain membranes (fungal meningitis)
• you are taking an aldosterone blocker (eg, eplerenone), astemizole, cisapride, conivaptan, dofetilide, an ergot alkaloid (eg, ergotamine), erythromycin, midazolam, nevirapine, pimozide, a quinazoline (eg, alfuzosin), quinidine, rifabutin, rifampin, terfenadine, triazolam, or a 5-HT receptor agonist (eg, eletriptan)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Nizoral . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you are allergic to other azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole)
• if you have low stomach acid (eg, hypochlorhydria)
• if you have a history of liver disease, regular alcohol use, alcohol abuse or dependence, or blood problems (eg, prophyria)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Nizoral . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Many prescription and nonprescription medicines (eg, used for infections, HIV, seizures, anxiety, sleep, heartburn, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart problems, high blood pressure, allergies, irregular heartbeat, pain, blood thinning, asthma, migraines, mood or mental problems, cancer, prostate problems, immune system suppression, erectile dysfunction, urinary problems, or contraception [birth control]), multivitamin products, and herbal or dietary supplements may interact with Nizoral , increasing the risk of serious side effects
• Nevirapine, rifabutin, or rifampin because they may decrease Nizoral 's effectiveness
• Astemizole, cisapride, dofetilide, erythromycin, pimozide,quinidine, or terfenadine because the risk of severe heart effects may be increased
• Midazolam or triazolam because their actions and the risk of their side effects may be increased by Nizoral , resulting in increased risk of sedation and breathing difficulties
• Aldosterone blockers (eg, eplerenone), conivaptan, ergot alkaloids (eg, ergotamine), quinazolines (eg, alfuzosin) or 5-HT receptor agonists (eg, eletriptan) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Nizoral

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Nausea; stomach pain or upset.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloating; dark urine; decreased sexual ability; depression; irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; loss of appetite; numbness or tingling of the hands or feet; pale stools; severe or persistent nausea or stomach pain; swollen or tender abdomen; thoughts of suicide; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or fatigue; vision changes; vomiting; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Nizoral, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Nizoral is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.