Nizral

Nizral (Ketoconazole) belongs to a class of drugs known as the imidazoles. It is used in the treatment of fungal infections by interfering with their growth and repair mechanisms. This medicine inhibits the production of a chemical called ergosterol, which is a component of the fungal cell wall. Damage to this wall cannot be repaired and this interferes with the cell`s ability to reproduce. It is used in the treatment of a number of different types of serious fungal infections, including those of the gut, skin and nails.

These tablets are used to treat fungal infection throughout the body (systemic fungal infection), infections of the skin and finger nails (not toe nails) proved to be resistant and which have failed to respond to other therapies, long term vaginal thrush infections (candidiasis) not responsive to other therapy, preventing fungal infections in people with a weakened immune system, for example due to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or bone marrow transplant and serious chronic candida infections of the mucosa and skin and serious fungal infections of the gastrointestinal tract not responsive or resistant to other therapy.

Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as Nizral (Ketoconazole). Take at regular intervals. Complete the prescribed course unless otherwise directed. Take this medication with or after food.

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect. Possible side effects of Nizral (Ketoconazole) include:

• Itching (pruritus)
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Decreased sperm count (oligospermia)
• Headache
• Rash
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Abnormal enlargement of breasts in men (gynaecomastia)
• Severe swelling of lips, face or tongue (angioedema)
• Dizziness
• Serious liver damage that may very rarely be fatal

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug`s manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Nizral (Ketoconazole) tablets should not to be used in patients with life long inherited blood diseases or liver disease.