Ketoconazole (Generic Name)

Other names: Nizoral

About this drug

High-dose ketoconazole is used to treat prostate cancer. It is given by mouth (orally).

Possible side effects

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Skin problems. You may develop a rash, dry skin, or itching. The skin on your elbows, legs, underarms, and in other folds of your skin may feel sticky.
  • Changes in your nails. Your fingernails and toe nails may become dry or cracked. They may grow more slowly.
  • Diarrhea
  • High blood pressure
  • Changes in liver enzymes. Your doctor will check your liver enzymes as needed.
  • Swelling of your legs, ankles, and/or feet
  • Breast swelling, tenderness, and pain
  • Impotence
  • Stomach pain
  • Weakness
  • Decreased appetite

Treating side effects

  • Take this drug with food. This may help lessen nausea and vomiting.
  • Ask your doctor or nurse about medicine to help prevent or lessen nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain, or itching.
  • If you vomit or have diarrhea, you are at risk for dehydration. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids, unless your doctor has told you to limit your fluid intake because of another medical condition.
  • Do not put anything on your rash unless your doctor or nurse says you may. Keep the area around the rash clean and dry.

Food and drug interactions

There are no known interactions of the drug ketoconazole with food. This drug may interact with other medicine. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medicines and dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, herbs, and others) that you are currently taking. The safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements and alternative diets are often unknown. Using these might unexpectedly affect your cancer or interfere with your treatment. Until more is known, you should not use dietary supplements or alternative diets without your cancer doctor’s advice.

When to call the doctor

Call your doctor or nurse immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Uncontrolled nausea that prevents you from eating or drinking
  • Vomiting more than 3 times in 1 day
  • Confusion
  • Trouble waking up
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Severe headache

 

Call your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Nausea, vomiting, or itching that prescribed medicine does not help
  • Persistent loss of appetite or rapid weight loss (more than 5 pounds in 1 week)
  • Diarrhea of 5 or 6 loose stools in 1 day or diarrhea with weakness
  • Extreme weakness that interferes with normal activities
  • Muscle pain or weakness
  • Swelling of your legs, ankles, or feet

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