KETOREN
Ketoconazole is a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal agent. following absorption from the gastrointestinal tract; ketoconazole is converted into several inactive metabolites. It works by stopping the growth of the fungus.
Presentation
Blister pack of 10 x 10 tablets and 3 x 10 tablets
Description
Indications
Ketoconazole tablets are indicated for the treatment of the following systemic fungal infections: candidiasis, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, oral thrush, candiduria, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, chromomycosis, and paracoccidioidomycosis. Ketoconazole tablets are also indicated for the treatment of patients with severe recalcitrant cutaneous dermatophyte infections who have not responded to topical therapy or oral griseofulvin, or who are unable to take griseofulvin.
Pharmacological class
Antifungal
Pharmacological properties
Fungistatic
Mechanism of Action
Ketoconazole blocks the synthesis of ergosterol, a key component of the fungal cell membrane, through the inhibition of cytochrome P-450 dependent enzyme lanosterol 14α-demethylase responsible for the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane. This results in an accumulation of methylated sterol precursors and a depletion of ergosterol within the cell membrane thus weakening the structure and function of the fungal cell membrane.
Side effects
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, urticaria, pruritus, insomnia, nervousness, CNS disorders, photophobia, orthostatic hypotension, myalgia, menstrual disorder, asthenia, fatigue, hot flush, malaise, edema peripheral, pyrexia, chills; hepatotoxicity, anaphylaxis, decreased testosterone levels.
Contraindications
Ketoconazole is contraindicated in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to the drug or excipients of the formulation. Coadministration of terfenadine or astemizole with ketoconazole tablets is contraindicated.
Drug interactions
Some products that may interact with this drug include: other drugs that can cause liver problems (such as acetaminophen). Other medications can affect the removal of ketoconazole from your body include isoniazid, nevirapine, rifamycins (such as rifabutin, rifampin) and St. John’s wort.
