This medication sounds scary

[JD1980]

I have to take four 200 mg pills of Nizoral, they gave me generic Ketoconazole. Anti fungal medicine. It's for Tinea Versicolor, i think i got it from the tanning bed. Will this medicine decrease my birth control?

Any suggestions or warnings while i'm taking this medicine? I have to take it and then sweat 30 minutes after so it will work through the sweat all over my body. It sounds scary.

[Lindaru]

It does not appear to affect oral contraceptives whatsoever, but it may cause sensitivity to light, so keep your sunglasses handy.

Not sure if they gave you good prescribing information but here are some other things my PDR says for that medication:

Do not take medications containing alcohol such as cough syrups, elixirs and tonics. If you take antacids, anticholinergics, histamine H-2 blockers, omeprazole or sucralfate, take them at least two hours after the Nizoral. There are no known food interactions. Also, take with food to avoid stomach upset.

Best of luck and do not be scared of this medication. The doctors will keep a good watch on you while you are taking for however long you may have to take it.

As with anything, if you begin experiencing something you think is a side effect, call your doctor immediately.

Lindaru

[JD1980]

See this is where I get confused. My Dr. never mentioned it affecting the birth control pills i take or the xanax I sometimes take for anxiety. But the pamphlet from Walgreens that came with the med did mention it along with all kinds of other medicines not to interact with.

Also, in general after you are finished with antibiotics or meds that affect your birth control, how long after you FINSIH them that the birth control becomes effective again and no back up method needed?

[Lindaru]

It appears you misinterpreted what I wrote: "It does *not* appear to affect oral contraceptives whatsoever", so you are safe there.

Drug interactions include astemizole (used for hay fever, allergies and urticaria), cisapride (used for gastrointestinal or esophageal reflux disorders) or terfenadine (used for hay fever or skin allergies). If you take this medication with these, heart side effects could occur. Xanax is not listed in the drugs not to take.

I hope this has put your mind at ease. Sorry for any misunderstanding.

Lindaru