Ketoconazole Drug Information
Ketoconazole (generic name: ketoconazole; brand names include: Fung) is an antifungal medication.
Ketoconazole tablets are used to treat:
Fungal infections of the skin, hair and mucous membrane that cannot be treated by applying a medicine directly to the infected area
Persistent fungal infections of the vagina
Fungal infections of the mouth, throat and stomach, intestines or other internal organs
Ketoconazole is also used to treat fungal infections that have not responded to griseofulvin, another 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.
Ketoconazole works by killing the fungus or yeast causing the infection.
Ketoconazole Directions and Recommendations
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Ketoconazole exactly as directed.
The usual dose for adults is 1 tablet once daily. Sometimes your doctor may increase this dose to 2 tablets daily.
The period of treatment may vary between 5 days to 12 months.
Ketoconazole tablets should be taken during meals or with food. This will make sure that they are fully absorbed by the body. Ketoconazole works best if it is taken at the same time each day.
Do not take medicines that neutralise stomach acid within 2 hours of taking Ketoconazole. This is because sufficient stomach acid is required to ensure that Ketoconazole tablet is properly absorbed by the body. If you take medicines that suppress the production of stomach acid, you should take your Ketoconazole with an acidic drink, such as a cola beverage.
To clear up your infection completely, take Ketoconazole for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.
If you forget to take Ketoconazole, take the dose you missed as soon as you remember, and then continue to take it as you would normally. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when it is due. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed.
Keep Ketoconazole tablets at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
Ketoconazole Precautions
Before taking Ketoconazole, tell your doctor if:
you are allergic to any medicines;
you have a liver problem or are recovering from hepatitis;
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Ketoconazole Ingredients
Active ingredient: ketoconazole.