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Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole Side Effects

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCPKristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Reviewed by Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP, Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 22, 2023

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Stomach pain
  • Passing gas
  • Dry mouth
  • Tongue discoloration

Less Common Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Changes in sleep
  • Dizziness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Breast growth in males
  • Rash
  • Muscle pain

Ketoconazole serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Liver damage: nausea, vomiting, feeling tired, stomach pain, yellowing of your skin or whites of your eye (jaundice), dark-colored urine, pale-colored stool
  • Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation): chest pounding, short of breath, chest pain, feeling faint or lightheaded
  • Extremely low cortisol levels (adrenal insufficiency): feeling very weak or tired, dizziness, weight loss, no appetite
  • Serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing

Source: DailyMed

The following Ketoconazole side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common—For cream, shampoo, foam, or gel

Itching, stinging, burning, or irritation not present before use of this medicine

Rare—For cream, foam, or gel

Acne

bleeding from sore in the mouth

blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

cracked, dry, or scaly skin

discoloration of the fingernails or toenails

dizziness

eye dryness, irritation, or swelling

red rash with watery, yellow-colored, or pus filled blisters with or without thick yellow to honey-colored crusts

skin dryness, pain, rash, redness, or swelling

sore in the mouth or on the gums

swelling of the face

Rare—For shampoo

Hair loss and irritation

Incidence not known—For gel

Pain

Incidence not known—For shampoo

Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin

burning sensation of the skin

burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site

discoloration of the hair

dry skin

fast heartbeat

fever

hives

hoarseness

irritation

itching, scaling, severe redness, or soreness of the skin

joint pain, stiffness, or swelling

rash

shortness of breath

swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet

thinning of the hair

tightness in the chest

troubled breathing or swallowing

wheezing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common—For shampoo or gel

Dryness or oiliness of the hair and scalp

headache

Rare—For shampoo

Abnormal hair texture

mild dryness of the skin

scalp pustules

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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