Nizoral

The active ingredient in Nizoral is ketoconazole. As an azole antifungal, it treats fungal infections by killing and stopping the growth of the offending fungus.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Nizoral. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Nizoral:

1. Take the oral tablets with or without food. Taking this medication with food may help with stomach upset.

2. You should not drink alcohol while taking ketoconazole tablets, as this can cause a severe reaction known as a disulfuram-like reaction, which presents as headache, nausea, flushing, and rash. It can also cause liver damage (hepatotoxicity).

The most common side effects of ketoconazole include:

• Nausea.
• Stomach pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Headache.
• Abnormal liver function tests (LFTs).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Nizoral. These side effects are life-threatening and may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Adrenal insufficiency (problems with the adrenal gland) presents as fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
• Liver injury (hepatotoxicity) may present as loss of appetite, sudden weight loss, nausea/ vomiting, fatigue, stomach pain, dark-coloured urine, light-coloured stool, yellowing of the eyes (jaundice), fever, or rash.
• Heart problems, including QT prolongation, especially when combined with other QT-prolonging medications. This may present as feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or having an irregular heart rhythm.
• Signs of an allergic reaction include severe rash or hives, swelling of the face, tongue, or lips, chest pain, and tightness of the throat/ trouble breathing.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Nizoral. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or product information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Nizoral, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you:

• Have severe liver disease, either acute or chronic.

• Known hypersensitivity to ketoconazole, other azoles, or any inactive ingredients in the product.
• Are taking dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, cisapride, disopyramide, methadone, dronedarone, ranolazine, or certain other medications that interact with ketoconazole.
• Severe liver disease.

Oral ketoconazole is usually taken for about 6 months for the treatment of systemic fungal infections.

When Nizoral is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Drugs that may increase the blood levels: benzodiazepines (alprazolam, midazolam, triazolam), drugs for cholesterol (lovastatin, simvastatin), cisapride, nisoldipine and felodipine, dofetilide, pimozide, eplerenone, quinidine, buspirone, ergot alkaloids (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), and opioids (alfentanil, sufentanil, fentanyl). These medications are contraindicated with oral ketoconazole, as increased levels of the drugs can cause severe side effects.
• Blood levels of isoniazid are reduced by co-administration with ketoconazole.
• Drugs that lower stomach acid (lansoprazole, omeprazole, antacids, famotidine, ranitidine) may lower levels of ketoconazole in the body, as well as phenytoin.
• Drinking alcohol while taking ketoconazole can cause a life-threatening reaction and liver problems.

Brand name and generic Nizoral are available as 200mg tablets.

It should be stored in a cool, dry place, at room temperature, away from the reach of children or pets.

It is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

Yes, it is available from several manufacturers of generic drugs.

Barring any serious side effects, you should not discontinue this drug suddenly and complete the full course of treatment.

This medication is not generally recommended during pregnancy, as animal studies suggest it may harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Oral ketoconazole is found in breast milk and should not be used during breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.