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Ketoconazole (kee-toe-KOE-na-zole)
Brand Names
Nizoral® (There may be other brand names for this medication)
How is it Administered?
Your medicine will be taken by mouth.
What is it Used For?
This drug is used to treat prostate cancer and fungal infections in the
skin, throat, urinary tract, and lungs.
What Should I Tell My
Doctor Before I Begin
Receiving
Ketoconazole?
Tell your doctor if you:
 have had an allergic reaction to ketoconazole, miconazole
(Monistat®), or fluconazole (Diflucan®)
 are taking terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, triazolam, antacids,
cyclosporine, digoxin, isoniazid, methylprednisolone, midazolam,
phenytoin, rifampin, tacrolimus, or warfarin
 have liver disease, stomach disorders or drink alcohol more than
once a week
 are pregnant or breastfeeding
This drug may interact with other medications, increasing or
decreasing their effectiveness or causing harmful side effects.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription or overthe-counter medications, vitamins, herbal or diet supplements
that you are taking.
What Are Some
Possible Side Effects I
May Experience?
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How Can I Manage
These Side Effects?
 Ask your doctor about medication to help prevent or lessen
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain, or itching.
 To prevent dehydration (from vomiting or diarrhea), drink plenty of
fluids – especially water – unless your doctor has limited your fluid
intake because of another medical condition.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, or stomach pain
Skin problems: rash, dry sin, or itching
High blood pressure
Swelling of your legs, ankles, and/or feet
Breast swelling, tenderness, or pain
Impotence (men)
Weakness
Changes in liver enzymes
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 If you develop a rash, do not put anything on it unless you first ask
your doctor or nurse. Keep the area clean and dry.
When Should I Call the
Doctor?
Call your doctor immediately if you experience:
 any sign of infection: temperature of 100.5 F (38 C) or above,
chills, sore throat, painful or burning upon urination, redness,
warmth, swelling, or pain at any wound or injection site
 any sign of an allergic reaction: itching or hives, swelling in your
face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest
tightness, trouble breathing, dizziness, or palpitations
 confusion or trouble waking up
 severe headache
Call your doctor as soon as possible if you experience:
 diarrhea of 5-6 stools in 1 day
 nausea, vomiting, or itching unrelieved by prescribed medication
or that prevents you from eating or drinking
 persistent loss of appetite or weight loss of 5 pounds in 1 week
 muscle pain or weakness
 swelling of your legs, ankles, or feet
 headache unrelieved by prescribed medication
 dark-colored urine or pale colored stools
 yellowing of skin or eyes
What Else Should I
Know About
Ketoconazole?
2
Ketoconazole
 Take this drug with food or milk to lessen nausea/vomiting unless
your doctor tells you differently.
 Do not take more medicine or take it more often than prescribed.
 Take your medicine until it is gone or until your doctor tells you to
stop. If you stop taking the medicine too soon, your infection may
return.
 If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost
time for your next dose, wait until then to take it and skip the
missed dose. You should not use two doses at one time.
 Keep your medicine at room temperature, away from heat and
direct light. Do not freeze.
 Be sure to keep all appointments with your doctor and lab.
 If you would like more information about ketoconazole, talk to your
doctor.
Roswell Park Cancer Institute Patient Education