Nizoral (Ketoconazole)

Description

The main ingredient in Nizoral is ketoconazole. It is a medication that is used to fight off fungi and treat the infections they cause.

 

It is not usually made use of in the treatment of finger and toenail infections. It is not used to treat Cushing syndrome or cancer of the prostate.

 

This is considered the nuclear option when it comes to antifungals. It is used when no other medication works. It can cause severe liver damage and can even be fatal.

 

Important information

 

Remember to only use Nizoral when all other types of medications have failed. It can make your liver fail to an extent that is fatal.

 

Call a doctor immediately if you experience the symptoms of liver failure such as severe nausea and pain in the upper abdomen, along with jaundice, exhaustion, dark urine and pale stools.

 

If you have headaches with severe angina and dizziness along with a rapid, pounding pulse, call a doctor at once.

 

Do not use Nizoral if you have an allergy to the ketoconazole that is the main ingredient, or if you have a history of hepatic failure.

 

Some medications can react with Nizoral if you take them together. These can lead to a fatal or severe side effect that can cause permanent damage.

 

If you have a history of hepatic diseases, adrenal failure or long QT syndrome, tell your doctor. Also tell them if you are on antibiotics, arrhythmia treatment and malaria medicine.

 

While it isn’t known whether Nizoral has an adverse effect on unborn children, it isn’t advisable to be pregnant or get pregnant unless you have told a doctor.

 

Nizoral can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing child. Never nurse a child while using the medicine.

 

Dosage

 

Follow the instructions in your prescription as closely as you can. Do not deviate from your doctor’s advice. Never take the medicine for longer than you have been told.

 

It is common for doctors to request regular blood tests while you are on Nizoral to make sure that your liver isn’t being damaged.

 

Always take the medicine for the time you have been told to. Even if the symptoms recede before the time is up, you have to keep taking it.

 

Skipping the final doses might result in the reassertion of the infection, except that the fungus could be resistant to treatment.

 

Missed doses and overdose

 

If you miss a dose of Nizoral, make sure you take it as soon as you remember. If you are about to take the next dose in your schedule, ignore the one you missed.

 

Never take an extra dose to make up for the one you skipped. This could cause an overdose. If this happens, call your poison hotline as well as EMS immediately.

 

Side effects

 

Common side effects include:

 

 Mild nausea
 Stomach pain
 Diarrhea
 Headaches

 

More severe side effects include:

 

 Headache
 Angina
 Dizziness
 Fainting
 Exhaustion
 Weakness
 Vomiting
 Severe nausea
 Rapid heartbeat
 Liver failure

 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience these side effects.

 

Contraindications

 

Do not take Nizoral if you have an allergic reaction to it. Stop taking it if you notice signs of liver failure. Do not take it with other antifungals unless advised.

 

Stop taking it if you have to take antacids, ulcer medication, and reflux medicine. Never drink alcohol while taking Nizoral.