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Take the time to learn about the potential benefits, the health risks and the many unknowns regarding generic nizoral. It can be frightening to read a list of the side effects of Ketoconazole. More than a few of my patients have immediately assumed that they would suffer from all of them. The truth is that most people will experience none of them, just the benefits of Ketoconazole. Side effects vary from person to person and it is impossible to predict exactly how each individual will be affected. Some characteristics and pre-existing conditions are known to increase the risk from certain side effects. Doctors should assess these factors before advising patients on which drugs to choose. The FDA monitors reports of adverse drug reactions and has found no difference in the rates between generic and brand name drugs.

Nizoral (generic name Ketoconazole) is a synthetic antifungal agent used to treat fungal infections. Ketoconazole tablets are active against clinical infections with Blastomyces dermatitidis, Candida spp., Coccidioides immitis, Histoplasma capsulatum, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, and Phialophora spp. It may also be given to treat severe, hard-to-treat fungal skin infections that have not cleared up after treatment with creams, ointments or the oral antifungal drug griseofulvin, or in those individuals who are unable to take griseofulvin.

How should I take Ketoconazole?

Wash your hands before and after using this medication. Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a thin layer of the cream or gel to the affected skin area as directed. This medicine is usually used for only 2 to 4 weeks. Wait at least 20 minutes after applying this medicine before you use cosmetics or sunscreen on the treated skin area. Do not wash the treated skin for at least 3 hours after applying ketoconazole. Do not use bandages or dressings over the treated skin areas, unless your doctor has told you to.

Drug Interactions

Ketoconazole inhibits the metabolism of terfenadine, resulting in an increased plasma concentration of terfenadine and a delay in the elimination of its acid metabolite. Nizoral may alter the metabolism of cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and methylprednisolone, resulting in elevated plasma concentrations of the latter drugs. Dosage adjustment may be required if cyclosporine, tacrolimus, or methylprednisolone are given concomitantly with ketoconazole. When taken orally, imidazole compounds like ketoconazole may enhance the anticoagulant effect of coumarin-like drugs. In simultaneous treatment with imidazole drugs and coumarin drugs, the anticoagulant effect should be carefully titrated and monitored.

What are the possible side effects

Side effects may include: nausea, stomach pain or upset, vomiting In rare cases, people have had anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction) after taking their first dose of Nizoral. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips; or rash or hives. If this happens, seek medical care at once. In some people, Nizoral may cause serious or even fatal damage to the liver. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any signs or symptoms that could mean liver damage. These include unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or pale stools.