Lybrate Logo
Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
tab_logos
About
tab_logos
Feed
Overview

Ketoconazole

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole helps in the treatment of fungal and yeast infections of the body. It belongs to the drug group known as azole antifungals. The medication prevents the growth of various types of fungi by disrupting the production of the membranes that surround the fungal cells. It is available in the form of a tablet that can be taken orally.

The dosage and duration of taking Ketoconazole is decided by your doctor depending on your age, weight, your medical history and current condition. It is usually taken once in a single day, with or without food. However, it is better to take it with food as that will reduce the chances of a stomach upset.

In case you are taking an antacid, remember that Ketoconazole needs to be taken 2 hours before or an hour after the antacid; else there are chances that your body may not absorb the drug.

There are some mild side effects that you may suffer from for taking Ketoconazole. They include nausea, headache, diarrhea, stomach pain and dizziness. Some rare side effects may include hair loss, depression, tingling sensations and serious allergic reactions.

A serious side effect of Ketoconazole can be hepatotoxicity, which implies liver damage caused due to chemicals. The symptoms include weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, tiredness, discoloured urine and stool, fever, rash or yellowing of the skin. In such a situation, immediate medical attention is recommended.

There are certain aspects that need to be considered before or after taking Ketoconazole:

  • Ensure never to take the drug again if you have had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again can lead to a life threatening situation.
  • Avoid alcohol when you are prescribed to this medication
  • Your doctor must be informed if you are pregnant or planning to be before prescribing you the drug
  • Ketoconazole can pass into a baby by breastfeeding. Your doctor must be informed and then it will be decided whether you need to stop breastfeeding or stop taking the medication.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Ketoconazole

    • Blastomycosis

      Ketoconazole is used to in the treatment of blastomycosis which is a fungal infection that can affect skin, bones and joints caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis.

    • Chromomycosis

      Ketoconazole is used to in the treatment of Chromomycosis which is a fungal infection that can affect the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by Fonsecaea pedrosoi, Phialophora verrucosa.

    • Coccidioidomycosis

      Ketoconazole is used to in the treatment of Coccidioidomycosis which is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides. This infection can affect the lungs and other parts of the body.

    • Histoplasmosis

      Ketoconazole is used to in the treatment of Histoplasmosis which is a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. This infection can affect the lungs and other parts of the body.

    • Paracoccidioidomycosis

      Ketoconazole is used to in the treatment of Paracoccidioidomycosis which is a fungal infection caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. This infection can affect the lungs and other parts of the body.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Ketoconazole ?

    • Allergy

      Ketoconazole is not recommended for use if you have a known allergy to this medicine.

    • QT Interval prolonging drugs

      Ketoconazole is not recommended for co-administration with drugs that are known to cause specific changes in heart rhythm.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Ketoconazole ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Ketoconazole

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 8 hours.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The peak effect of this medicine is observed in 1 to 2 hours.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor about the potential benefits and risks before deciding to take this medicine.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendencies were reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended for use during breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor about the potential benefits and risks before deciding to take this medicine. Do not breastfeed for at least 5 hours after the dose to reduce the risk of exposure.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      It is found that it causes side effects that may affect the alertness of the patient taking this medicine. Thus person must avoid driving if taking this medication.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      Caution must be taken in patients with kidney disease. consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      It is found that this medicine if taken along with along may cause drowsiness and worsen the condition of the patient.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      Dose adjustment is needed in case of patients with liver disease. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      The missed dose can be taken as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next dosage then the missed dose can be skipped.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Inform your doctor immediately if you are experiencing symptoms of overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Ketoconazole approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Ketoconazole

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Ketoconazole as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication falls under the category of an antifungal. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, which is an important component of the fungi cell membrane by inhibiting cytochrome P-450 dependent enzyme lanosterol 14α-demethylase responsible for the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol, thus helps in inhibiting the growth of the organism.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Ketoconazole ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Consumption of alcohol is not recommended if you are taking this medicine. It may increase the risk of dizziness and fainting. Avoid performing activities that need mental alertness like operating machinery or driving a vehicle.
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        Information not available.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Alprazolam

        Report the usage of either of the drugs to the doctor so that suitable dosage adjustments can be suggested. Monitoring of blood levels might be required in some cases. Symptoms like drowsiness and difficulty in breathing should be reported immediately to the doctor.

        Cisapride

        Use of Ketoconazole while you are taking Cisapride is not recommended. Inform your doctor about the usage of Cisapride so that suitable replacement for Ketoconazole could be prescribed.

        Clopidogrel

        Inform your doctor about the usage of either of these medicines. Dosage adjustments for Clopidogrel might be required in such cases.

        Erythromycin

        Usage of Ketoconazole along with Erythromycin is not recommended. Inform your doctor about the usage of either of these medicines. Your doctor might prescribe alternative medicines where the risks of side effects are minimal. Immediate medical attention might be required if you feel dizzy, have shortness of breath and feel discomfort in the chest.

        Warfarin

        Usage of Ketoconazole along with Warfarin is recommended only after dosage adjustment. Safety monitoring is a must in such cases. Signs and symptoms like headache, presence of blood in vomit and urine, weakness, unusual bleeding should be reported immediately.

        Atorvastatin

        Use of Ketoconazole with Atorvastatin is not recommended. Inform your doctor about the usage of either of these medicines so that suitable replacement could be suggested. Symptoms like muscle pain and weakness coupled with fever, joint pain and chills should be reported immediately.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Liver Disease

        Ketoconazole should be administered with caution if you are suffering from impaired liver functioning. Suitable dosage adjustments and safety monitoring become necessary in such cases.

        Qt Prolongation

        Ketoconazole should be very carefully administered if you have any pre-existing heart conditions. Suitable dosage adjustments and safety monitoring is recommended in such cases.

        Kidney Disease

        Suitable adjustment is dosage is required based on the extent of kidney impairment. An adjustment in dosage is recommended. If the patient is on hemodialysis then the blood level of Ketoconazole should be monitored after each session and then the adjusted dose should be administered.
      • Interaction with Food

        Food

        Information not available.

      FAQs about Ketoconazole

      • Ques : What is Ketoconazole used for?

        Ans : This cream helps in treating skin infections that may appear on the feet (Athlete’s foot), in the groin area (jock itch) or between skin folds (sweat rash infected with a yeast infection “thrush”).

      • Ques : Is Ketoconazole a steroid cream?

        Ans : No, it is not a steroid cream. It is an antifungal medicine that belongs to the imidazole class of medicines. It works by killing the fungi or by preventing the growth of fungi that cause infection.

      • Ques : What are the side effects of Ketoconazole?

        Ans : Side effects include application site burning, redness, and itching. The application site may also develop some side effects such as discomfort, dryness, bleeding, severe allergic reactions, urticaria or hives, rash, skin exfoliation, sticky skin, prickling sensation, or inflammation.

      • Ques : Can I use a steroid cream along with Ketoconazole?

        Ans : It is recommended that you apply mild steroid ointment like hydrocortisone cream/ointment in the morning and apply this cream in the evening. You can then stop using the steroid cream gradually over 2-3 weeks.

      • Ques : How should Ketoconazole be applied?

        Ans : It is advised to wash the affected area and then dry it. Apply a thin layer of the cream on the affected area. Also, wash your hands after applying the

      • Ques : For how long do I need to apply Ketoconazole?

        Ans : You should use this cream for as long as advised by your doctor.

      References

      • ketoconazole-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 27 May 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/ketoconazole

      • ketoconazole-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 27 May 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01026

      • KETOCONAZOLE SOAP,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 27 May 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=KETOCONAZOLE

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
      swan-banner
      Sponsored

      Popular Questions & Answers

      View All

      Hi Dr. will you please tell me that how much ti...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Nitin Kumar Saxena

      Dermatologist

      Anaboom lotion is ketaconazole only anaboom. Shampoo.is a normal. Shampoo dependin on how much da...

      I have so much eczema of my face under eye also...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Ruchi A. Gupta

      Dermatologist

      Hi, use a moisturizer like venusia derm twice a day for dry, sensitive skin. Ketoconazole is an a...

      My hair is continuing falling and I have tried ...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Annapurna Gupta

      Homeopath

      Take homeopathic cri-regan drop 20 drops in half cup of water three times daily. Eat healthy food...

      I want to know details about ketoconazole nizra...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Dhaval Patel

      Homeopath

      Hello User, Not use this type of cream. It will harm skin in future. Use homeopathic treatment, m...

      I am losing hair and have tried ketoconazole bu...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Princy Khandelwal

      Homeopath

      Hi,Male-pattern hair loss, also known as androgenic alopecia.Men typically present with hairline ...

      Table of content

      Content Details
      Profile Image
      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
      Profile Image
      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
      chat_icon

      Ask a free question

      Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors

      posted anonymously
      swan-banner