Ketoconazole is a medication sold under the brand name Nizoral. It treats fungal infections that affect parts of your body such as your skin, mouth, throat and esophagus, according to Drugs.com. When you take ketoconazole, avoid drinking alcohol because this may cause harmful side effects.
Liver Damage
Ketoconazole can lead to hepatotoxicity (drug-induced liver damage). A doctor will monitor certain enzymes (natural chemicals) in your liver such as alkaline phosphatase and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). If such enzymes are elevated, this may be an indication for ketoconazole hepatotoxicity. According to RxList.com, 1 out 10,000 exposed patients developed hepatoxicity. Unfortunately, the number of people affected is usually higher because under-reporting usually occurs in matters of drug toxicity. Visit your doctor regularly to closely monitor your liver enzymes.
Allergic Reaction
In some instances, you may be allergic to ketoconazole's ingredients. You may develop difficulty breathing and notice itchy skin swellings (hives) forming all over your body, states Drugs.com. Your throat, face and lips can also swell and contribute to a scary situation. Get immediate help to reverse these symptoms to prevent any other harm to your body.
Other Physical Side Effects
RxList.com states that you will commonly experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and itching with ketoconazole. Less than 1 percent of ketoconazole users developed headaches, dizziness, fever, chills and diarrhea. Gynecomastia (male breast development), photophobia (extreme light sensitivity) and changes in your blood cell counts are also rare side effects.
Serious Side Effects
Ketoconazole can affect your psychological state and lead to feelings of constant sadness and the inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed. Drugs.com states that you may also be confused and have suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Seek immediate medical help if you develop these symptoms. Ketoconazole can affect your circulatory (of the blood vessels) system and cause tachycardia (fast heartbeat), fainting spells or dizziness. In some instances, ketoconazole can affect your stomach and digestive organs and lead to nausea, stomach pains, poor appetite, clay-colored stools or jaundice (yellowing of your skin and eyes).
Rare Side Effects
According to RxList.com, ketoconazole's rare side effects include hair loss, strange skin sensations called paresthesias and increased intracranial (within your skull) pressure, which can lead to bulging fontanelles and papilledema (swelling of your eye nerves).
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