Generic Nizoral, tablets

Chemical Name: KETOCONAZOLE

Common uses

This medicine is an imidazole antifungal agent used to treat infections.

Before using

Warning: this medicine has caused severe, even fatal, liver problems. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop dark urine, abdominal or stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or unusual fatigue. Cisapride must not be used when using ketoconazole. Serious heart problems could result. You will be closely monitored while using this medicine. Do not take this medicine if you are also taking alprazolam, amphotericin b, astemizole, cisapride, midazolam, pimozide, statins (e.g., atorvastatin, simvastatin), terfenadine, or triazolam.

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking buspirone, calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, nifedipine), methylprednisolone, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sildenafil, or medicine for anxiety or sleep. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. If you take an antacid, take the antacid at least 2 hours after taking this medicine.

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. To clear up your infection completely, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not take seldane (terfenadine), hismanal (astemizole), or cisapride while taking this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine.

For women taking birth control pills: this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pills. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control while you are taking this medicine. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience rash or itching, unusual fatigue, yellowing of the skin, dark urine, or pale stools. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.