Ketoconazole is an antifungal antibiotic.

Ketoconazole is used to treat infections caused by fungus, which can invade any part of the body including the mouth, throat, esophagus, lungs, bladder, or skin.

Ketoconazole may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ketoconazole, or if you are also taking triazolam (Halcion).

Before taking ketoconazole, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, a heart rhythm disorder, decreased stomach acid (achlorhydria), or a history of "Long QT syndrome."

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Ketoconazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Avoid taking antacids or stomach acid reducers (Tagamet, Pepcid, Axid, Zantac, and others) for at least 2 hours after you have taken your dose of ketoconazole. These medications can make it harder for the ketoconazole tablet to dissolve in your stomach.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may cause unpleasant side effects while you are taking ketoconazole.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ketoconazole, or if you are also taking triazolam (Halcion).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take ketoconazole:

• decreased stomach acid (achlorhydria);

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• a heart rhythm disorder; or

• a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ketoconazole is harmful to an unborn baby. Before you take this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Ketoconazole may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.