Nizoral (Ketoconazole)

Do’s

• Before starting treatment with Nizoral, carefully review the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist and consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
• Take this medication by mouth as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once a day. It can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset.
• If you are taking an antacid, ensure to take Nizoral at least 2 hours before or 1 hour after taking the antacid to ensure proper absorption into the body.
• The dosage and length of treatment are determined based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Inform your healthcare provider about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products. In children, the dosage is also based on weight. The treatment duration can range from several days to several months.
• This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Take it at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
• Continue taking this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days.

Don’ts

• Do not stop taking this medication early as it may result in a return of the infection.

Common Side Effects:

• Asthenia
• Fatigue
• Hot flush
• Malaise
• Edema peripheral
• Pyrexia
• Chills
• Platelet count decreased

Serious Side Effects

• Adrenal insufficiency, which can lead to symptoms such as tiredness, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting
• Serious allergic reactions 

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Nizoral, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Nizoral can worsen existing adrenal gland function problems, making it more difficult for the body to respond to physical stress. Before undergoing surgery, emergency treatment, or in the event of a serious illness or injury, inform the healthcare provider about the use of this medication.

Nizoral should not be used in patients with acute or chronic liver disease due to the risk of liver injury or hepatotoxicity. This risk has led to updated information on assessment and monitoring recommendations, as well as a contraindication for use in patients with liver disease.

There are several drug interactions associated with Nizoral.  Consult a healthcare provider before taking any other medications alongside Nizoral, as certain combinations can lead to elevated plasma concentrations of drugs, potentially increasing or prolonging both therapeutic and adverse effects.

Nizoral can cause serious harm to the liver, potentially resulting in the need for a liver transplant or causing death. Use Nizoral only when other antifungal medications cannot be used.

Nizoral have been demonstrated to lower serum testosterone. Once therapy with Nizoral has been discontinued, serum testosterone levels return to baseline values. Clinical manifestations of decreased testosterone concentrations may include gynecomastia, impotence, and oligospermia.

The information provided here is not exhaustive. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance before using Nizoral.