Nizoral
Ketoconazole
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Nizoral
Nizoral is an anti fungal antibiotic and belongs to azole group. It acts on the sensitive fungi by interfering with the formation of fungal cell wall and thereby inhibiting growth and killing the fungi.
Therapeutic Uses of Nizoral
Nizoral is used in the treatment of fungal infection. It can also be in other medical conditions that your doctor decides.
Direction of use of Nizoral
Nizoral should be used as your doctor tells you. Read the label to get the instruction of use of Nizoral. It is generally taken orally with food or on empty stomach. You should not take any antacid 1 hour before taking Nizoral or within 2 hours after taking it, because it will interfere with the absorption of Nizoral. If you are taking an anticholinergic like hyoscyamine, an H2 antagonist like famotidine or ranitidine, or a proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole, you should take Nizoral at least 2 hours before taking any of these drugs.
To clear the fungal infection completely you should take the full course of Nizoral and even if you feel better after taking it for few days you should not stop it till you complete the course. Nizoral gives best result if it is taken at the same time every day.
If You Miss a Dose of Nizoral
If you miss a dose of Nizoral you should take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose, because you missed for long time, you should skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. Do not take 2 doses for the missed dose.
How to Store Nizoral
Store Nizoral tablets at temperature 59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit and Nizoral shampoo below 77 degree Fahrenheit. Store these away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep these out of reach of children.
More Information About Nizoral
If you have any question about Nizoral you should ask your doctor or other health care provider and clarify your question. Nizoral should be used by the person for whom it is prescribed and not shared with others. If there is no improvement of your symptoms after using Nizoral, you should consult your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Nizoral
Do not use Nizoral if you have any of the following medical conditions and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you have allergy to Nizoral or any of the ingredients of it.
- If you have fungal meningitis (fungal infection of membranes of brain).
- If you are taking an aldosterone blocker like eplerenone, astemizole, cisapride, conivaptan, dofetilide, an ergot alkaloid like ergotamine, erythromycin, midazolam, nevirapine, pimozide, a quinazoline like alfuzosin, quinidine, rifabutin, rifampin, terfenadine, triazolam, or a 5-HT receptor agonist.
Some medical conditions may interact with Nizoral and you should consult your doctor immediately if any of the following medical conditions you have:
- If you are allergic to Nizoral or any other antifungal medicine.
- If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or if you are breast feeding.
- If you have allergy to any medicine, food or any other substance.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, over the counter medicine (non prescription medicine), any food supplement or any herbal preparation.
- If you have hypochlorhydria or low acid in stomach.
- If you have any history of liver disease, regular alcohol use or abuse, alcohol dependence, or blood problems like prophyria.
Some medicines may interact with Nizoral. Inform your doctor or other health care provider if you are taking any medicine that may cause interaction with Nizoral. The following medicines can interact with Nizoral:
- Rifampin or rifabutin as these drugs can reduce effectiveness of Nizoral.
- Risk of severe heart effects may be increased due to astemizole, cisapride, dofetilide, erythromycin, pimozide,quinidine, or terfenadine.
- The risk of serious side effects may be more due to interaction with Nizoral and drugs like multivitamin products, and herbal or dietary supplements, many prescription and nonprescription medicines used for infections (antibiotics), HIV, seizures, anxiety, sleep, heartburn, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart problems, high blood pressure, allergies, irregular heartbeat, pain, blood thinning, asthma, migraines, mood or mental problems, cancer, prostate problems, immune system suppression, erectile dysfunction (like Viagra or sildenafil), urinary problems, or contraception etc.
- Nizoral may increase the side effects of drugs like eplerenone (aldosterone blocker), ergotamine (ergot alkaloid), quinazolines, eletriptan (5 HT receptor agonist) etc.
- Midazolam or triazolam because their actions and toxicity may be increased by Nizoral, resulting in increased risk of sedation and breathing difficulties.
Possible Adverse Effects of Nizoral
- Like any other medicine Nizoral has its own side effects. Some of the side effects are minor and common and some of the side effects are serious and uncommon. If common and minor side effects become bothersome or persistent you should consult your doctor. The common side effects of Nizoral are nausea, stomach upset, stomach pain and mild vomiting.
Consult your doctor immediately if any serious side effects develop. The serious side effects of Nizoral are severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); decreased sexual ability; severe or persistent nausea; severe or persistent stomach pain; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia; depression, suicidal thoughts; vision changes; persistent vomiting; swollen abdomen, tender abdomen; unusual tiredness or fatigue; loss of appetite; numbness or tingling of the hands and/or feet; pale stools; dark urine; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of the skin or eyes etc.
