Nizoral (Ketoconazole)

Note: The below information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of Nizoral (Ketoconazole) is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your doctor before you buy Nizoral (Ketoconazole) online.

What is Nizoral (Ketoconazole)?
This medication is an antifungal type of antibiotic. It treats fungal infections such as ringworm of the body (tinea corporis), ringworm of the groin (tinea cruris or jock itch), sun fungus (tinea versicolor, pityriasis versicolor), dandruff, and other systemic (throughout the body) fungal infections.

What should I check before I use Nizoral (Ketoconazole)?
Please verify if you have any of these conditions: an alcohol abuse problem, low stomach acid production (achlorhydria or hypochlorhydria), liver disease, other chronic illness, an unusual or allergic reaction to ketoconazole, itraconazole, miconazole, other foods, dyes or preservatives, pregnant or trying to get pregnant, breast-feeding.

How should I use Nizoral (Ketoconazole)?
Take the tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Take the doses at regular intervals. Nizoral (Ketoconazole) works best if you take it with food. If you have a low production of stomach acid you may have to take the tablets dissolved in dilute hydrochloric acid. Drink this mixture through a straw to avoid contact with the teeth. Then drink a glass of water, swishing it round your teeth before you swallow. Do not take or use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your doctor even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Contact your doctor regarding the use of Nizoral (Ketoconazole) in children as special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose of Nizoral (Ketoconazole)?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Nizoral (Ketoconazole)?
Alcohol, antacids, astemizole, bosentan, cisapride, cyclosporine, didanosine (ddI), dofetilide, ergotamine, dihydroergotamine or methysergide, hormones such as prednisone or cortisone, isoniazid, medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems, medicines for stomach ulcers and other stomach problems, other medicines for fungal or yeast infections, pimozide, pioglitazone, quinidine, phenytoin, rifampin, terfenadine, tolbutamide, warfarin.

On the questionaire needed to buy Nizoral (Ketoconazole), inform of all medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your doctor if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your doctor before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from using Nizoral (Ketoconazole)?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor as soon as possible: dark yellow or brown urine, loss of appetite, redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth, skin rash, itching, stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor if they continue or are bothersome): breast swelling and tenderness, or sexual difficulties (impotence) in men, drowsiness or dizziness, eyes get more sensitive to light, nausea, vomiting.

What precautions should I take while taking Nizoral (Ketoconazole)?
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not begin to improve in one to two weeks. Some fungal infections can take many weeks or months of treatment to cure. Take your medication regularly for as long as your doctor tells you to.

Alcohol may make you more dizzy, feel sick and increase possible damage to your liver. Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking these medication and for 2 days afterwards. Other medications you get on prescription, or buy at the pharmacy may contain small amounts of alcohol.

You may get dizzy; until you know how the medication affects you, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness.

Do not take terfenadine or astemizole with these medication. This combination of medicines can produce serious effects on your heart. Nizoral may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Wear dark glasses in bright sun, or under any bright lights.

Can I overdose with Nizoral (Ketoconazole)?
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Where can I keep my Nizoral (Ketoconazole)?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.