Ketor Tablet 200mg

About Ketor Tablet 200mg

Ketor Tablet Uses

• Treatment of systemic fungal infections such as candidiasis
• Blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis and histoplasmosis when other antifungals cannot be used
• Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis
• Severe fungal skin and nail infections resistant to topical treatment
• Certain scalp fungal infections when other antifungal options have failed

Ketor Tablet Benefits

• Broad spectrum activity against many fungal species
• Oral option when topical antifungal creams are not enough
• Useful for infections resistant to first line antifungal drugs
• Available as an affordable tablet form for stubborn infections

What Experts Say

Ketoconazole works by blocking an enzyme fungi need to build their cell membrane, called lanosterol demethylase. Without this enzyme the fungal cell wall weakens, which stops the fungus from growing and eventually kills it. This is why it can treat infections that do not respond to milder antifungal creams or shampoos.

Doctors now treat oral ketoconazole as a second line option rather than a first choice antifungal. Safer alternatives like fluconazole or itraconazole are usually tried first because ketoconazole tablets carry a higher documented risk of serious liver injury. Liver function tests are commonly advised before starting treatment and again during longer courses to catch any early warning signs.

Ketoconazole also strongly affects how the liver processes many other medicines through a shared metabolic pathway. This means it can raise or lower the levels of other drugs circulating in the blood, including certain heart, cholesterol and blood thinning medicines. Physicians usually review a patient's complete medicine list carefully before prescribing it and monitor closely afterward.

Drug Class

• Imidazole antifungal

Ketor Tablet 200mg formula

• Ketoconazole

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Ketor Tablet 200mg?

• Take Ketor Tablet exactly as prescribed by the doctor, usually once daily with food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• Avoid antacids, acid reducing drugs or calcium supplements within two hours of this tablet.
• Complete the full course even if symptoms improve earlier.
• Do not stop the medicine suddenly without consulting the doctor.
• Attend all scheduled liver function tests during treatment.

Drug Interactions

• Antacids And Acid Reducers: Reduce ketoconazole absorption, so they should not be taken at the same time.
• Statins: Ketoconazole can raise blood levels of certain statins, increasing the risk of muscle related side effects.
• Warfarin: Ketoconazole may increase the blood thinning effect of warfarin, requiring closer monitoring.
• Certain Benzodiazepines: Ketoconazole can increase blood levels of drugs like midazolam and triazolam, raising sedation risk.
• QT Prolonging Drugs: Combining ketoconazole with certain heart rhythm medicines can raise the risk of dangerous heart rhythm changes.
• Corticosteroids: Ketoconazole can increase levels of some steroid medicines, requiring dose adjustment by a doctor.

Risks and warnings

• Liver Toxicity: Oral ketoconazole carries a risk of serious, sometimes fatal liver injury, so it is usually reserved for infections that have not responded to safer antifungal options.
• Liver Function Monitoring: Blood tests to check liver function are usually recommended before starting treatment and during longer courses.
• Adrenal Gland Effects: Higher doses can reduce the body's natural cortisol production, so caution is needed in patients with adrenal problems or long term steroid use.
• Heart Rhythm Risk: Combining this tablet with certain other medicines can affect heart rhythm, so a full medication history should be shared with the doctor.
• Stomach Acid Requirement: Absorption depends on stomach acid, so antacids or acid reducing drugs can lower its effectiveness if taken together.
• Pregnancy Caution: This tablet is generally avoided during pregnancy unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk, as judged by a doctor.

Ketor Tablet Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Itching or skin rash
• Loss of appetite
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Signs of adrenal problems such as severe weakness or low blood pressure

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30 degrees Celsius in a cool, dry place.
• Keep the tablet strip in its original packaging away from moisture and direct sunlight.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not use beyond the expiry date printed on the pack.