What Is Ketoconazole?
Ketoconazole can be described as an antifungal drug used to treat specific diseases caused by fungi.Ketoconazole should only be used in cases where you are not able to take other antifungal medicines. Ketoconazole may cause severe harm to your liver, which may cause the need for a liver transplant or even death.
Ketoconazole cannot be recommended for the treatment of fungal infections of the fingers and toenails. It is also not indicated for the treatment of prostate cancer or Cushing syndrome. Ketoconazole is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.
Side effects Of Ketoconazole
Seek medical attention immediately. If you notice symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction (hives and chest pain, fever, difficulty breathing, swelling of your throat or face) or an extreme skin reaction (fever and sore throat, eye burning, irritation, and an ailment that is purple or red with peeling and blisters),
Ketoconazole can cause serious adverse side effects.Consult your doctor immediately if you suffer from:
- Rapid or pounding heartbeats, sweating throughout your chest, shortness of breath, and a sudden feeling of dizziness (like you're about to pass out);
- Unusual fatigue or weakness or fatigue, fainting, nausea,
- Problems with the liver: stomach pains as well as fever, lack of appetite, and dark urine. They may also experience stools that are coloured with clay as well as jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Common ketoconazole-related side effects could include:
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort
- Breast swelling;
- Headache, dizziness,
- Abnormal tests of liver function.
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Ketoconazole is only recommended in cases where you cannot take other antifungal drugs. Ketoconazole could cause serious damage to your liver, which could lead to liver transplants or even death.
Contact your physician immediately if you experience any symptoms of liver damage, including nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. black stools, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).Inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking and all the ones you begin or stop taking. Numerous drugs can interact, and certain drugs shouldn't be combined.Ketoconazole may also trigger an acute heart condition. Call your doctor immediately if you notice high or rapid heartbeats, breathing problems, or sudden dizziness.
Before you Take this Drug
Ketoconazole should not be used in the event that you are allergic to it or suffer from a liver condition.
Certain medicines may cause undesirable or hazardous effects when taken alongside ketoconazole. Your doctor could alter the treatment regimen if you also take:
- Cisapride;
- Colchicine;
- Irinotecan;
- Methadone;
- Tolvaptan;
- Antipsychotic medicine (pimozide, lurasidone);
- Cholesterol medication—lovastatin, simvastatin, and others;
- Ergot medicine: dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, and methylergonovine;
- Heart medication—disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, eplerenone, felodipine, nisoldipine, quinidine, ranolazine;
- A sedative—alprazolam, midazolam, or triazolam.
Inform your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- Liver issues;
- Long QT syndrome (in either you (or a relative)
- Issues with your adrenal gland.
It isn't known if this medication will cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Inform your doctor if you are expecting.
It is not recommended to breastfeed when taking this medicine.Don't give the medication to children without a medical recommendation.
How To Take Ketoconazole?
The doctor will conduct tests on your blood to confirm that you don't have any medical conditions that could make it unsafe for you to use ketoconazole.Follow the instructions on the prescription label and review all medication guides and instructions. The doctor might alter your dosage. Follow the medication precisely as directed.It is possible to require ketoconazole for as long as 6 months.
Make sure to take this medicine for the prescribed duration, even if symptoms do not improve immediately. Not taking your doses regularly can increase the chance of developing an illness that is intolerant to medications. Ketoconazole is not a treatment for an infectious disease like influenza or the typical cold.
When you are taking ketoconazole, it is possible that you will require frequent blood tests to assess your liver's health.Maintain at room temperature and away from heat, humidity, and light.Avoid sharing this medication with a person, even if they suffer from similar symptoms to yours.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
It is recommended to take the medicine in the shortest time possible. However, avoid any missed doses if you are close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What Should be Avoided?
Avoid drinking or consuming alcohol. Dangerous side effects can be experienced.
Ketoconazole may cause your skin to burn more quickly. Avoid tanning beds and sunlight. Protect yourself with protective clothes and sunblock (SPF 30 or more) while you're outdoors.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Certain medications could make it more difficult for your body to absorb ketoconazole. If you are taking an antacid and take it one hour before or two hours after taking ketoconazole, Consult your physician if you also use an acid-reducing stomach medication like Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix, Zantac, and many others.
There are times when it's not recommended to take certain medications together. Certain medications can alter the blood levels of other medications that you take, which can create side effects or render the drugs less effective.Ketoconazole could cause serious heart conditions. The risk is higher if you take various other drugs to treat asthma, infections, heart issues, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, malaria, cancer, or HIV.
A variety of drugs can interact with ketoconazole. This includes over-the-counter and prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all interactions are mentioned here. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and any other medications you are about to start or stop taking.
