Ketoconazole

OVERVIEW

Ketoconazole cream is used to treat tinea corporis (ringworm; fungal skin infection that causes a red scaly rash on different parts of the body), tinea cruris (jock itch; fungal infection of the skin in the groin or buttocks), tinea pedis (athlete’s foot; fungal infection of the skin on the feet and between the toes), tinea versicolor (fungal infection of the skin that causes brown or light colored spots on the chest, back, arms, legs, or neck), and yeast infections of the skin.

CLASSIFICATION

Imidazole antifungal

USES

Ketoconazole is used to treat fungal and yeast infections on your skin, hair, nails, and in your blood

HOW IT WORKS

It works by killing the fungus or yeast or preventing its growth.

DOSAGE

As directed by the physician

PRECAUTIONS

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to ketoconazole or any other medications or any of the ingredients in ketoconazole tablets. Tell your doctor if you are taking alprazolam (Niravam, Xanax);eplerenone (Inspra); ergot alkaloids such as ergotamine (Ergomar, in Cafergot, in Migergot), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E 45, Migranal), and methylergonovine (Methergine); felodipine (Plendil); irinotecan (Camptosar); lovastatin (Mevacor); lurasidone (Latuda); midazolam (Versed); nisoldipine (Sular); simvastatin (Zocor); tolvaptan (Samsca); and triazolam (Halcion). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take ketoconazole if you are taking one or more of these medications or any of the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section.

Some medications should not be taken with ketoconazole. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with ketoconazole. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting ketoconazole with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking ketoconazole, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are taking an antacid containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium (Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, others), take it 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take ketoconazole.

The following nonprescription products may interact with ketoconazole: medications for indigestion, heartburn, or ulcers such as cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), lansoprazole (Prevacid), nizatidine (Axid), omeprazole (Prilosec), and ranitidine (Zantac). Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking ketoconazole. Do not start any of these medications while taking ketoconazole without discussing with your healthcare provider.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had the conditions mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section or adrenal insufficiency (a condition in which the adrenal glands do not make enough steroid hormones).

tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking ketoconazole, call your doctor.

If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking ketoconazole.

You should know that drinking alcoholic beverages (including wine, beer, and medications that contain alcohol such as cough syrup) while taking ketoconazole increases the risk that you will develop liver damage and may cause unpleasant symptoms such as flushing, rash, nausea, headache, and swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs if you drink alcohol while you are taking ketoconazole.

SIDE EFFECTS

Rash

Hives

Itching

Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

Hoarseness

Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Tiredness or weakness

DISCLAIMER

This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage