Ketoconazole

What is this ketoconazole?

Ketoconazole is a medication used to fight fungus infections.

How should you give your child ketoconazole?

Follow these instructions when giving your child ketoconazole:

• Give this medicine with a meal or snack.
• Give this medicine for the total length of time prescribed by the doctor, even if your child is feeling better.
• Give this medicine at the same time(s) every day.

What should you do if your child misses a dose of ketoconazole?

• Give the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the regular dosing schedule.
• Do not give more than one dose at a time.

What are the possible side effects of ketoconazole?

Notify the doctor if your child continues to have any of the following symptoms or if these symptoms become bothersome:

• diarrhea
• nausea or vomiting
• dizziness or drowsiness
• irregular menstrual periods
• breast enlargement in males
• headache

Contact your doctor immediately if your child has:

• dark or amber-coloured urine
• skin rash or itching
• stomach pain
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellow eyes or skin
• loss of appetite
• pale stools

What other important information should you know about ketoconazole?

• Some other medicines may interfere with ketoconazole. Inform the doctor or pharmacist about any other prescription or non-prescription medications your child is taking.
• If your child is taking antacids or a prescription drug used to reduce stomach acid (such as ranitidine, cimetidine, or omeprazole), these medicines must be taken at least two hours after taking a dose of ketoconazole.
• Your child should not take any products containing alcohol while taking ketoconazole and for at least a day after stopping it. Check with your pharmacist about the alcohol content of other medications including cough, cold, or vitamin syrups.
• This medicine may make your child's eyes more sensitive to light. Your child should avoid bright light or wear sunglasses to help to lessen the discomfort.
• This medicine may make your child's skin more likely to burn when exposed to sunlight. It is important for your child to apply a strong sunscreen (SPF at least 15) that provides UVA and UVB protection.
• If you are giving your child the liquid form of ketoconazole, use the specially marked syringe or spoon provided by the pharmacist to measure the dose.
  

Keep ketoconazole out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much ketoconazole, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.