KETOCONAZOLE (KEE toe KON a zole) treats fungal 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
Heart disease
Heart failure
High or low levels of electrolytes, such as magnesium or potassium, in your blood
Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
Liver disease
Low adrenal gland function
Slow heartbeat
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 water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. This medication works best when you take it with a meal. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.
Take antacids, PPIs, and other medications that reduce stomach acid at a different time of day than this medication. Take them at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after this medication.
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 these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Diarrhea
Headache
Nausea
Stomach pain
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Tell your care team right away if severe injury, infection, or other illness occurs while you are taking this medication. Tell them if you plan to have surgery. This medication can make it hard for your body to respond to stress. Your care team may reduce your dose or have you stop taking this medication until you recover.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused mediation after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix it with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or another unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
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.
