Generic Name: ketoconazole

What is the most important information I should know about ketoconazole?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ketoconazole, or if you are also taking cisapride (Propulsid) or triazolam (Halcion). Other drugs that should not be taken together with ketoconazole include astemizole (Hismanal) and terfenadine (Seldane) (these drugs are no longer available in the U.S.).

Before taking ketoconazole, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, a heart rhythm disorder, decreased stomach acid (achlorhydria), or a history of "Long QT syndrome."

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Ketoconazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Avoid taking antacids or stomach acid reducers (Tagamet, Pepcid, Axid, Zantac, and others) for at least 2 hours after you have taken your dose of ketoconazole. These medications can make it harder for the ketoconazole tablet to dissolve in your stomach.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may cause unpleasant side effects while you are taking ketoconazole.

What is ketoconazole?

Ketoconazole is an antifungal antibiotic.

Ketoconazole is used to treat infections caused by fungus, which can invade any part of the body including the mouth, throat, esophagus, lungs, bladder, or skin.

Ketoconazole may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ketoconazole?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ketoconazole, or if you are also taking cisapride (Propulsid) or triazolam (Halcion). Other drugs that should not be taken together with ketoconazole include astemizole (Hismanal) and terfenadine (Seldane) (these drugs are no longer available in the U.S.).

Before taking ketoconazole, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• decreased stomach acid (achlorhydria);

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• a heart rhythm disorder; or

• a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take ketoconazole.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Ketoconazole may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take ketoconazole?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Ketoconazole works best if you take it with food. Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Ketoconazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your liver function may need to be checked with blood tests on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store ketoconazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a ketoconazole overdose are not known.