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Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Ketoconazole is indicated for the management of fungal infections in cases where alternative therapies are unavailable or contraindicated. This medication is not recommended for the treatment of fungal meningitis, which pertains to the inflammation of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain resulting from a fungal infection, nor is it suitable for fungal nail infections. Classified as an imidazole antifungal agent, ketoconazole works by impeding the growth of pathogenic fungi responsible for the infection.
Uses and Dosage
Administer this medication orally in accordance with your physician’s instructions, generally once per day. While it is permissible to consume this medication with or without food, taking it with a meal can mitigate gastrointestinal discomfort.
If you are also taking an antacid, ensure a minimum interval of 2 hours before or 1 hour after consuming ketoconazole to ensure adequate drug absorption.
The prescribed dose and duration of treatment are predicated on your medical condition, response to treatment, and concurrent medication usage. In children, the dosage is weight-based. Completion of treatment may take several days to several months.
This medication is most efficacious when the drug concentration in your system remains consistent. Administer this drug at regular intervals. To facilitate adherence, take it at the same time each day.
Continue taking this medication until the full prescribed amount is exhausted, even if symptoms abate within a few days. Discontinuing the medication prematurely may result in infection recurrence.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or deteriorates.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- headache
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
- constipation
- heartburn
- gas
- change in ability to taste food
- dry mouth
- change in tongue color
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- nervousness
- numbness, burning, or tingling of the hands or feet
- muscle pain
- hair loss
- flushing
- chills
- sensitivity to light
- nosebleeds
- breast enlargement in males
- decrease in sexual ability
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious 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
Caution
Prior to initiating ketoconazole therapy, tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist of any hypersensitivities you may have to ketoconazole, levoketoconazole, other azole antifungal agents, or any other allergens. Inactive ingredients present in the product may trigger allergic responses or other adverse outcomes.
Inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist of your medical history, particularly any instances of hepatic disease, alcohol consumption, low testosterone levels, diminished adrenal gland function (e.g., Addison’s disease), or insufficient gastric acid production (achlorhydria) prior to utilizing this medication.
Ketoconazole may elicit a heart rhythm disorder (QT prolongation), which can result in severe, potentially life-threatening consequences, such as fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, and syncope. This is a rare occurrence, but low potassium or magnesium levels in the bloodstream can elevate the likelihood of QT prolongation. Certain medications and health conditions, including severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting, may also exacerbate this risk.
Refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages while undergoing ketoconazole treatment because alcohol amplifies the risk of significant hepatic complications. Abstaining from alcohol also diminishes the possibility of a rare ketoconazole reaction that may result in facial flushing, headache, and nausea.
Advanced age may increase susceptibility to the drug’s adverse reactions, particularly QT prolongation.
During pregnancy, ketoconazole should be used only if deemed necessary by your physician. Weigh the potential risks and benefits.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your physician prior to breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Nizoral is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
ketoconazole tablet:
- 200mg
FAQ
How long does it take Nizoral to work?
Nizoral usually works within 2 to 3 weeks for most fungal infections, but it can take 6 weeks for athlete’s foot to get better.
How do I know if Nizoral is working?
Your symptoms should improve during the first 2 to 4 weeks of your treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve during this time.
Resources
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ketoconazole/#:~:text=Ketoconazole%20usually%20works%20within%202,fungi)%20that%20cause%20the%20infections
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ketoconazole-topical-route/proper-use/drg-20067739?p=1
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-11195/nizoral-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682816.html
- https://www.drugs.com/nizoral.html
