Nizoral
Nizoral (generic name: Ketoconazole) is an antifungal medication. Fungi are organisms normally found on the skin and in moist areas of the body. When the skin is injured or chronically moistened, or normal bacteria flora of the body are altered due to prolonged antibiotic treatment, fungus can proliferate to cause inflammation of the skin or moist body areas. Fungus organisms can also infect the lungs and other body tissues especially in patients with weakened immune systems.
Nizoral should not be administered together with antihistamines terfenadine (Seldane) and astemizole (Hismanal), or with cisapride (Propulsid), because of increased risk of serious heart side effects. Nizoral Ketoconazole should not be taken with the sedative triazolam (Halcion), because of risk of excessive sedation. Digoxin (Lanoxin) and phenytoin (Dilantin) levels should be monitored when taking ketoconazole. Tuberculosis medications INH and rifampin lower the blood levels of ketoconazole. Ketoconazole taken with alcohol can cause flushing, rash, swelling, headache, and nausea. Ketoconazole shampoo can irritate the eyes, and should be used with caution. Ketoconazole is avoided in children.
Nizoral side effects
Nizoral Ketoconazole is generally well tolerated. Ketoconazole can cause rash, itching, nausea and/or vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, fatigue, impotence, and blood count abnormalities. Rarely, ketoconazole has caused a reaction resulting in serious lowering of the blood pressure and shock (anaphylaxis). Also rarely, ketoconazole has caused severe depression, hair loss, and tingling sensations. Ketoconazole shampoo has been reported to result in loss of curl of permanently waved hair.
