Nizoral (ketoconazole) is an antifungal medication that fights infections caused by fungus.
Ketoconazole is not for use in treated fungal infections of the fingernails or toenails. This medicine is also not for use in treating prostate cancer or Cushing syndrome.
This medicine should be used only when you cannot use other antifungal medications. Nizoral can cause serious harm to your liver that may result in liver transplant or cause death.
Nizoral may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Nizoral should be used only when you cannot use other antifungal medications. Nizoral can cause serious harm to your liver that may result in liver transplant or cause death.
Call your doctor at once if you have any signs of liver damage, such as nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Some medicines can interact with Nizoral and should not be used at the same time. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use any of the following drugs: alprazolam, cisapride, dihydroergotamine, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, eplerenone, ergotamine, lovastatin, methadone, midazolam, nisoldipine, pimozide, quinidine, ranolazine, simvastatin, or triazolam.. Certain drug interactions can cause life-threatening irregular heartbeats.
Call your doctor right away if you have a headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, and fast or pounding heartbeats.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Nizoral if you are allergic to ketoconazole, or if you have liver disease.
Some medicines can interact with Nizoral and should not be used at the same time. Certain drug interactions can cause life-threatening irregular heartbeats. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use any of the following drugs:
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alprazolam, midazolam, or triazolam;
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cisapride or pimozide;
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dihydroergotamine or ergotamine;
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disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, eplerenone, nisoldipine, quinidine, or ranolazine;
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lovastatin or simvastatin; or
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methadone.
To make sure Nizoral is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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any history of liver problems;
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problems with your adrenal gland;
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personal or family history of long QT syndrome; or
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if you also use certain antibiotics, heart rhythm medication, migraine headache medicine, anti-malaria medication, or medicine to treat depression or mental illness.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Nizoral will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Ketoconazole can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
How should I take Nizoral?
Take Nizoral exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using this medicine.
While using Nizoral, you may need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.
Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Nizoral will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Avoid taking antacids, stomach acid reducers, or medicines to treat stomach ulcer or gastroesophageal reflux disease (Axid, Nexium, Pepcid, Prevacid Prilosec, sucralfate, Tagamet, Zantac, and others). These medications can make it harder for your body to absorb Nizoral.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage while you are taking Nizoral.
Nizoral side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Nizoral: hives; fever; difficulty breathing, chest pain; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;
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unusual weakness or tired feeling, nausea and vomiting; or
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liver problems--upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
Common Nizoral side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Nizoral?
Many drugs can interact with ketoconazole. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your medications and any you start or stop using during treatment with Nizoral. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.
