Details

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. Ketoconazole can cause serious harm to your liver that may result in liver transplant or cause death. To make sure ketoconazole is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have any history of liver problems problems with your adrenal gland personal or family history of long QT syndrome or if you also use certain antibiotics, heart rhythm medication, migraine headache medicine, anti-malaria medication, or medicine to treat depression or mental illness. Do not give ketoconazole to a child without medical advice.

Typical Uses

Ketoconazole is used to treat certain serious fungal infections in the body. Ketoconazole belongs to the class of drugs called azole anti-fungals. It works by stopping the growth of the fungus. Ketoconazole should not be used to treat fungal infections in the brain or on the skin and nails. This drug may also be used to treat advanced prostate cancer.

Side Effects

Common side effects of ketoconazole include headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats unusual weakness or tired feeling, nausea and vomiting or liver problems-upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Drug Interactions

• Ketoconazole+avanafil- Using avanafil together with ketoconazole is not recommended. Combining these medications may significantly increase the blood levels of avanafil. This may increase the risk of serious side effects such as low blood pressure fainting visual disturbances including loss of vision ringing in the ears hearing loss and priapism (prolonged and painful erection unrelated to sexual activity).
• Ketoconazole+bedaquiline- Talk to your doctor before using bedaquiline together with ketoconazole. Combining these medications can increase the blood levels and effects of bedaquiline. You may be more likely to develop uncommon but serious side effects such as irregular heart rhythm and liver damage. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.
• Ketoconazole+cisapride- Using cisapride together with ketoconazole is not recommended. Combining these medications may significantly increase the blood levels and effects of cisapride. High blood levels of cisapride can occasionally cause an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious.
• Ketoconazole+dolasetron- Using dolasetron together with ketoconazole can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.

Mechanism of action

Ketoconazole acts mainly by preventing the growth of fungi. It prevents yeasts and fungi from reproducing and from making their protective outer cell wall.

Pregnancy Category : C