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Ketoconazole |
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What is Ketoconazole and why is it prescribed? Ketoconazole, 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). In some people, Ketoconazole may cause serious or even fatal damage to the liver. Before starting to take Ketoconazole, 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 Ketoconazole? Follow your doctors directions for taking Ketoconazole. Take Ketoconazole 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 Ketoconazole Tablets with meals to avoid upset stomach. 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. Ketoconazole should be stored at room temperature. Are there any Ketoconazole side effects? Ketoconazole side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Ketoconazole side effects may include nausea and vomiting. Less common Ketoconazole side effects may include abdominal pain and itching. Rare Ketoconazole side effects may include breast swelling (in men), depression, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, fever and chills, headache, hives, impotence, light-sensitivity, and rash. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Ketoconazole? If Ketoconazole is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Ketoconazole with 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), or Triazolam (Halcion). Are there any special warnings about Ketoconazole? In rare cases, people have had anaphylaxis after taking their first dose of Ketoconazole. Observe caution when driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, due to potential side effects of headache, dizziness, and drowsiness. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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