KETOCONAZOLE (kee toe KON na zole) treats fungal or yeast infections. It belongs to a group of medications called antifungals. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by bacteria or viruses.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Alcohol use disorder
Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
Liver disease
Low adrenal gland function
Low stomach acid production
An unusual or allergic reaction to ketoconazole, other medications, foods, dyes or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breastfeeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medication works best if you take it with food. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
Adagrasib
Alfuzosin
Certain medications for anxiety or sleep, such as alprazolam, midazolam, triazolam
Certain medications for blood pressure, such as felodipine, nisoldipine, eplerenone
Certain medications for cancer, such as irinotecan, ibrutinib
Certain medications for cholesterol, such as cerivastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, lomitapide
Certain medications for irregular heart rate, such as disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, quinidine
Cisapride
Colchicine
Conivaptan
Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
Lurasidone
Methadone
Naloxegol
Nevirapine
Other medications that can cause heart rhythm changes
Pimozide
Ranolazine
Red yeast rice
Sirolimus
Thioridazine
Tolvaptan
This medication may also interact with the following:
Alcohol or any product that contains alcohol
Aliskiren
Amlodipine
Antacids
Antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS
Aprepitant
Atorvastatin
Bosentan
Buprenorphine
Certain medications for bladder problems, such as fesoterodine, solifenacin, tolterodine
Certain medications for cancer, such as bortezomib, busulfan, dasatinib, docetaxel, erlotinib, imatinib, ixabepilone, lapatinib, nilotinib, paclitaxel, trimetrexate, vinca alkaloids
Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or mental health conditions, such as aripiprazole, buspirone, haloperidol, quetiapine, risperidone
Certain medications for erectile dysfunction, such as vardenafil, sildenafil, tadalafil
Certain medications for pain, such as alfentanil, fentanyl, oxycodone, sufentanil
Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine or phenytoin
Certain medications for stomach problems, such as cimetidine, famotidine, omeprazole, lansoprazole
Certain medications for tuberculosis, such as isoniazid, INH, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine
Certain medications that treat or prevent blood clots, such as dabigatran, rivaroxaban, warfarin
Cilostazol
Cinacalcet
Cyclosporine
Digoxin
Eletriptan
Isradipine
Nadolol
Nifedipine
Other medications for fungal infections
Praziquantel
Ramelteon
Repaglinide
Salmeterol
Saxagliptin
Steroid medications, such as budesonide, ciclesonide, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone
Tacrolimus
Tamsulosin
Telithromycin
Verapamil
Ziprasidone
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Change in sex drive or performance
Diarrhea
Headache
Nausea
Stomach pain
Unexpected breast tissue growth
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication.
Avoid medications for your stomach like antacids and acid blockers for at least two hours after taking this medication.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Avoid alcohol while you are taking this medication. Alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage.
If you are going to need surgery or other procedure, tell your care team that you have been taking this medication.
This medication may cause a decrease in vitamin D. You should make sure that you get enough vitamin D while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
