KETOCONAZOLE

This chapter provides the basic characteristics, side effects/toxicity, drug interactions, and dosage information of the ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the bile. Ketoconazole tablets should be used only when other effective antifungal therapy is not available or tolerated and the potential benefits are considered to outweigh the potential risks: blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, chromomycosis, and para-coccidioidomycosis. Ketoconazole can be taken with or without food; however, in studies, Ketoconazole was administered with meals. It requires a low pH for absorption. If concomitant antacids, anticholinergics, and H2-blockers are needed, they should be given at least two hours after administration of Ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is an inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme system. It is available in 200 mg tablets. Ketoconazole should be started at 200 mg daily; in very serious infections or if clinical responsiveness is insufficient within the expected time, the dose may be increased to 400 mg once daily.