COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Nizoral

WARNING:
This medication has caused severe, even fatal, liver problems. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop dark urine, abdominal or stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or unusual fatigue. Cisapride must not be used when using ketoconazole. Serious heart problems could result. You will be closely monitored while using this medication.

USES:
This medication is used to treat a wide variety of fungal infections.

HOW TO USE:
Take as directed by your doctor. It is usually given as a single daily dose. It may be taken with a meal or snack to alleviate stomach upset. It may take from several days to several months to complete treatment. This depends upon the type and location of the infection. Take this drug at least 2 hours before taking any antacid or acid-reducing drugs. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow the infection to continue, resulting in a return of the infection.

SIDE EFFECTS:
You may experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, menstrual irregularities, impotence, increased sensitivity of eyes to light, breast tenderness or enlargement, or headache as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or get worse, contact your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: loss of appetite, dark urine, pale stools, yellowing of the eyes or skin, soreness of the mouth/tongue/throat, fatigue. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history especially: liver disease, history of alcohol use, digestion problems, any drug allergies. Do not consume alcoholic beverages while taking this drug. This medication should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Ketoconazole may be excreted into breast milk. The manufacturer of this drug recommends you do not breast-feed while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:
This drug is not recommended for use with: nevirapine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: drugs used for ulcers or heartburn (e.g., cimetidine or omeprazole-like drugs), antacids, certain antihistamines (terfenadine, astemizole), warfarin, phenytoin, rifampin, rifabutin, cisapride, certain anticholinergic drugs (e.g., propantheline), indinavir. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTES:
This medication is prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it for another infection or share it with others. Another infection later on may require a different medicine.

MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, take the missed dose and the scheduled dose 12 hours apart, then resume your usual dosing schedule.

STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.