About Nizoral

Nizoral, known under the generic name of Ketaconazole, is an azole antifungal which prevents the formation of fungal cell membrane and eliminates sensitive fungi.

Uses or Indications

As an antifungal drug, Nizoral is prescribed to treat various fungal infections, like candidiasis, as well as serious fungal skin infections.

How to Use Nizoral

Nizoral should be taken according to the doctor`s prescription, for as long as the tests show the fungal infection isn`t still abated. Take the medication with food but don`t combine it with alcohol and drugs with antacids. In case you need to take antacids, make sure you leave 2-3 hours intervals between them.

Possible Side Effects

The most common Side Effects include nausea and vomiting. Contact your doctor, if they become intensive.

Drug Precautions

• In case you are allergic to Nizoral you should avoid taking this drug. Moreover, never combine Nizoral with such medications as triazolam, cisapride, astemizole and terfenadine. Several fatal reactions were reported when Nizoral was mixed with these drugs.
• Nizoral may lead to such Side Effects as dizziness, drowsiness and headache, so be careful with the tasks which require complete alertness, like driving.
• In case you are pregnant, or plan to become one, inform your doctor as soon as possible.
• Since Nizoral can find its way into breast milk, you shouldn`t take the drug when you are breastfeeding. Check with your doctor first.
• In some rare cases Nizoral may result in serious liver damage that is sometimes fatal. Pass a complete blood test to make sure your liver functions properly and consult with your doctor.

Drug Interaction

A wide range of both prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as herbal products, diet supplements and multivitamins interact adversely with Nizoral, resulting in various Side Effects:

• Nevirapine, rifabutin or rifampin minimize the efficacy of Nizoral
• Erythromycin, cisapride, erythromycin, H1 antagonists (astemizole and terfenadine included), lovastatin, dofetilide, simvastatin, quinidine or pimozide, because these medications may lead to severe heart problems
• Midazolam and triazolam, once they are combined with Nizoral, may provoke breathing difficulties
• Ergotamine, eplerenone and other ergot alkaloids and aldosterone blockers, as their Side Effects can be aggravated by Nizoral
• 5-HT receptor agonists or quinazolines (alfuzosin, for instance), because Nizoral aggravates their Side Effects.

Missed Dose

In case you missed a dose of Nizoral, you should take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose of Nizoral.

Overdose

Although no specific Nizoral overdose information is available, any medication taken in excess can have dire consequences. If you suspect Nizoral overdose, get medical assistance immediately.

Storage

Nizoral medication should be kept at normal room temperatures.