Ketoconazole
About Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole belongs to a class of drugs called antifungals indicated to treat various systemic fungal infections such as blastomycosis (infection caused by Blastomyces fungus), chromomycosis (chronic infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue), Coccidioidomycosis (infection caused by Coccidioides fungus), paracoccidioidomycosis (infection caused by Paracoccidioides fungus) and histoplasmosis (lung infection caused by Histoplasma fungus). It is used only when other effective antifungal therapies are not available or tolerated and if potential benefits outweigh potential risks.
Ketoconazole contains Ketoconazole which works by destroying fungal cell membranes that are essential for their survival as they prevent the entry of unwanted substances into the cells and stop the leakage of cell contents. Thus, kills fungi and treats the fungal infection.
Take Ketoconazole as prescribed. Your doctor will advise you on how often you need to take Ketoconazole based on your medical condition. Some people may experience headache, nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects of Ketoconazole do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Ketoconazole or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Ketoconazole. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Ketoconazole as it may be excreted in breast milk. You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption whilst on treatment with Ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is not recommended for children below 2 years of age. For children above 2 years, it is recommended to use only if the doctor has determined that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Uses of Ketoconazole
Medicinal Benefits
Ketoconazole is an antifungal used to treat severe fungal infections. It is used only when other effective antifungal therapies are not available or tolerated and if potential benefits outweigh potential risks. It destroys fungal cell membranes that are essential for their survival as they prevent the entry of unwanted substances into the cells and stop the leakage of cell contents. Thus, kills fungi and treats the fungal infection.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ketoconazole
- Headache
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Ketoconazole or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Ketoconazole. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Ketoconazole as it may be excreted in breast milk. You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption with Ketoconazole. If you have a loss of appetite, tiredness, stomach pain, vomiting, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or light-coloured stools, inform your doctor immediately as they might be symptoms of hepatotoxicity (liver damage).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Ketoconazole may interact with antiarrhythmic agents (quinidine, dofetilide), antipsychotic drugs (pimozide), drugs used to treat heartburn and acidity (omeprazole, cisapride), cholesterol-lowering medicines (simvastatin, lovastatin), medicines used to treat migraine (dihydroergotamine, ergotamine), high blood pressure lowering drugs (nisoldipine, eplerenone) and benzodiazepines (alprazolam, triazolam, midazolam).
Drug-Food Interaction: Ketoconazole may interact with caffeine. Therefore, avoid foods containing chocolate and caffeine such as cocoa beans, tea, coffee, cola, and energy drinks as it may increase the adverse effects of caffeine. Do not take marijuana with Ketoconazole as it may worsen the adverse effects of marijuana. Also, avoid consumption of alcohol with Ketoconazole as it may increase the risk of liver damage and cause adverse effects.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have adrenal insufficiency, heart or liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Ketoconazole.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Ketoconazole as it may increase the risk of liver damage and cause adverse effects.
Pregnancy
cautionKetoconazole is a Category C pregnancy drug and is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeKetoconazole may be excreted in breast milk. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid breastfeeding while taking Ketoconazole.
Driving
cautionKetoconazole may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Therefore, drive only if you alert after taking Ketoconazole.
Liver
unsafeKetoconazole is contraindicated in patients with chronic or acute liver disease. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have any Liver diseases/conditions.
Kidney
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Ketoconazole in patients with kiver diseases/conditions, consult a doctor.
Children
cautionKetoconazole is not recommended for children below 2 years of age. For children above 2 years, it is recommended to use only if the doctor has determined that benefits outweigh risks.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid high-risk areas such as renovated buildings, construction sites, pigeon or chick coops, and caves.
- Wear a respiratory mask when there is a risk of exposure to spores.
- People with a weak immune system are advised to avoid activities that involve close contact with dust or dirt including digging, yard work, and gardening.
- Close windows and stay inside during dust storms.
- Clean skin injuries well with soap and water to reduce the risk of developing a skin infection.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Systemic fungal infections are fungal infections that affect internal organs. The fungus lives in the environment, particularly in moist soil and in decomposing organic matter such as leaves and wood. Fungi enter the body via the paranasal sinuses, gut, lungs, or skin, and may spread to other organs. If these infections are not treated with appropriate therapy or if treatment is delayed, it may lead to medical emergencies. The symptoms of systemic fungal infection in people with normal immune function include cough, fever, or loss of appetite. It can also affect people who are immune compromised.
FAQs
Ketoconazole belongs to a class of drugs called antifungals indicated to treat various systemic fungal infections such as blastomycosis (infection caused by Blastomyces fungus), chromomycosis (chronic infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue), Coccidioidomycosis (infection caused by Coccidioides fungus), paracoccidioidomycosis (infection caused by Paracoccidioides fungus) and histoplasmosis (lung infection caused by Histoplasma fungus).
Ketoconazole works by destroying fungal cell membranes that are essential for their survival as they prevent the entry of unwanted substances into the cells and stop the leakage of cell contents. Thus, kills fungi and treats the fungal infection.
Ketoconazole is not recommended to treat fungal meningitis (fungal infection spreads to the brain and spinal cord) as it poorly penetrates into the cerebrospinal fluid. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have fungal meningitis so that appropriate medication may be prescribed.
You are recommended to avoid foods containing chocolate and caffeine such as cocoa beans, tea, coffee, cola and energy drinks while taking Ketoconazole as it may increase the adverse effects of caffeine such as drowsiness, nervousness or nausea.
You are not recommended to take Ketoconazole with simvastatin (lipid-lowering drug) as co-administration of these medicines may cause muscle problems. Therefore, please consult a doctor before taking Ketoconazole with other medicines.
No, you are not recommended to stop taking Ketoconazole without consulting your doctor as it may cause recurring infection. Therefore, take Ketoconazole for as long as your doctor has prescribed it and if you experience any difficulty while taking Ketoconazole, please consult your doctor.
