Generic Nizoral

Nizoral, which is generically prescribed as ketoconazole, is commonly used to treat fungal infections. Nizoral is particularly effective in the treatment of fungal infections of the mouth, throat, esophagus, skin and nails, although it has been used to treat fungal infections throughout the entire body. Fungal infections are also referred to as yeast infections.

Nizoral is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes liver diseases or achlorhydria, a condition where the stomach does not produce enough acids, may not be able to take Nizoral or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with this medication, depending on the condition and the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated Nizoral as a pregnancy risk category C. It has yet to be determined whether or not this medication causes harm or birth defects in unborn babies. Nizoral has been shown to pass into the mother’s breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should avoid prescribing this medication to women who are pregnant, nursing, or who have a high likelihood of becoming pregnant.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Nizoral, some of which are severe. A patient who is experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An allergic reaction will present with side effects such as facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects which require immediate emergency medical attention include symptoms such as pale stools, jaundice, unusual fatigue, abdominal pain, or dark urine. Less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical attention but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as headaches diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, mild abdominal pain, dizziness, itching, and fatigue. Less serious side effects can often be reduced to a tolerable level by reducing the dosage of Nizoral.

Nizoral should be taken exactly as it has been prescribed by the physician. If the patient misses a dose, the dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid the potential for an overdose. The patient should never take a double dose of this medication. If an overdose is suspected, the patient should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An overdose will present with symptoms such as ringing in the ears, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness.

There is a potential risk of negative drug interactions associated with Nizoral. A thorough medical history should be understood prior to prescribing this medication. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications with a known negative drug interactions with Nizoral include rifampin, oral diabetes medications, phenytoin, warfarin, digoxin, antacids, cimetidine, cyclosporine, omeprazole, and tacrolimus. Life threatening interactions are nearly guaranteed to occur if Nizoral is mixed with triazolam, midazolam, cisapride, or astemizole. It is vital that these medication are not mixed with Nizoral and that these medications have been given ample time to leave the patient’s system before being prescribed Nizoral.