Nizoral (Ketoconazole)

Nizoral Review

Nizoral is a medicine used for the treatment of systemic fungal infections or for other conditions determined by your physician. You should not use Nizoral Tablets for fungal meningitis.

Buy Nizoral in a reliable US Online Pharmacy
FedEx Next Day Delivery

Nizoral Drug Class and Mechanism

Ketoconazole is structurally similar to imidazole, and interferes with the fungal synthesis of ergosterol, a constituent of cell membranes, as well as certain enzymes. It is specific for fungi, as the equivalent mammalian pathway, leading to the biosynthesis of cholesterol, is not sensitive to ketoconazole. However, other mammalian cytochrome P450 enzymes can be sensitive to ketoconazole, and inhibition of steroid hormone synthesis is a possible side effect of ketoconazole treatment. As with all azole antifungal agents, ketoconazole works principally by inhibition of an enzyme, cytochrome P450 14-alpha-demethylase (P45014DM). This enzyme is in the sterol biosynthesis pathway that leads from lanosterol to ergosterol. Fluconazole and itraconazole have been found to have a greater affinity for fungal cell membrane than ketoconazole, and thus lower doses of these azoles are required to kill fungi.

Nizoral Uses

Prescription Nizoral (ketoconazole) comes as a cream and a shampoo to apply to the skin. Over-the-counter ketoconazole comes as a shampoo to apply to the scalp. Ketoconazole cream is usually applied once a day for 2 - 6 weeks. Prescription Nizoral shampoo is usually applied one time to treat the infection. Over-the-counter ketoconazole shampoo is usually used every 3 - 4 days for up to 8 weeks, and then used as needed to control dandruff. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use Nizoral exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Nizoral Side Effects

Nizoral may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

changes in hair texture
blisters on scalp
dry skin
itching
oily or dry hair or scalp
irritation, itching, or stinging in the place where you applied the medication
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

rash
hives
difficulty breathing or swallowing
redness, tenderness, swelling, pain, or warmth in the place where you applied Nizoral

Nizoral Pregnancy

Ketoconazole has been shown to be teratogenic (syndactylia and oligodactylia) in the rate when given in the diet at 80 mg/kg/day, (10 times the maximum recommended human dose). However, these effects may be related to maternal toxicity, evidence of which also was seen at this and higher dose levels.

Nizoral Overdose

In the event of accidental overdosage, supportive measures, including gastric lavage with sodium bicarbonate, should be employed.

Nizoral More Information

If your symptoms do not improve within a few weeks (or months for some infections), or if they become worse, check with your doctor.