Generic Nizoral
KetoconazoleNizoral is the brand name of the generic drug Ketoconazole. It is a drug that is used to treat fungal infections such as ringworm and athlete's foot. Its shampoo version, though used to treat dandruff, can also be used to treat tinea versicolor in the body. It is also known to treat and inhibit the growth of certain yeast types and dermatophyte, a parasitic fungi. It does not, however, treat viral or bacterial infection.
An antifungal drug works by identifying the difference between a human and a fungal cell. It kills fungal cells by interfering with the cell membrane of the fungus. Since human and fungi cell are both eukaryotic, it is more difficult for the drug to differentiate one from the other, except for the identification of ergosterol. Ergosterol is a component of the cell mebranes and enzymes in fungi cells. Human and other mammal cells have no ergosterol and because of this, the Nizoral drug can inhibit the growth of fungi cells.
Nizoral is available in tablet form or more popular as a shampoo available over-the-counter. The Nizoral tablet can be taken with or without a meal. It is important when taking the drug, patients refrain from taking antacid tablets one hour before taking it or two hours after ingesting the drug. When taking Nizoral drug in a treatment, it is better to take it even after the prescribed treatment period. Also, it is best to take the drug at the same time each day to maximize the treatment. It should, however, not be taken on a double dose. The shampoo form, easily available over-the-counter in local stores, is applied topically to treat serious cases of dandruff. In fact, it was also used to treat hair loss caused by androgonetic alopecia.
There are also other drugs that may react with the Nizoral drug that should be relayed by the doctor. It is also important to note that the Nizoral drug affects blood sugar levels and so diabetic patients must take extra caution with it. A prospective patient must inform the doctor if he or she is pregnant or is breast-feeding, has allergies to certain foods, and a history of frequent alcohol-drinking. Because of the absence of studies on the Nizoral drug, it is recommended that it is not prescribed to children, pregnant women and new mothers breast-feeding their babies.
The Nizoral drug has been known to have caused toxicity of the liver, which may lead to serious liver problems. A patient that experiences jaundice or yellowing of the eyes, dark urine, abdominal pains, severe nausea and loss of appetite must seek immediate medical attention. The Nizoral drug has also been used in the treatment of prostate cancer because studies have revealed that the Nizoral drug can decrease the testosterone level in men.