Description
Key information
- Indications : Ketoconazole 200 mg tablets are prescribed for systemic fungal infections such as blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis (valley fever), histoplasmosis, chromomycosis and paracoccidioidomycosis.
- Warning : This medicine is usually not the first-line treatment and is not approved for superficial infections such as nail fungus, athlete’s foot or ringworm, for which topical treatments or safer oral medicines are available.
- Mechanism of action : This medicine works by preventing the fungus from producing an essential component of its cell membrane (ergosterol), which stops its growth.
- Dosage : The usual adult starting dose is one 200 mg tablet once a day. It can be increased to 400 mg per day if needed and well tolerated. Treatment usually lasts about 6 months, but its duration is determined by the doctor.
- Method of administration : The tablets should be taken with a meal for optimal absorption. For best effectiveness, avoid taking antacids or mineral supplements (calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc) within 2 hours of taking it.
