Patient was educated on contraindications for using Ketoconazole as follows:
- Patients with history of antibiotic associated diarrhea must be cautious about using Ketoconazole. Discuss with your doctor regarding your history of the same.
- Ketoconazole should be avoided in individuals with history of cardiac arrhythmias, as it has the potential to exacerbate any underlying arrhythmias. Such individuals upon taking Ketoconazole could present with irregular heartbeats and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Individuals with history of chronic disturbance in serum magnesium and potassium ions are at increased risk for arrhythmias. Also, individuals taking Lasix are at increased risk for losing potassium, thus setting the ground for life-threatening arrhythmias, upon taking Ketoconazole.
- Ketoconazole is metabolized by the liver and Ketoconazole intake can lead to severe hepatic injury, leading to liver transplant. Individuals with history of compromised liver function cannot metabolize Ketoconazole and this can lead to increased blood levels of Ketoconazole for longer duration, leading to toxicity. Ketoconazole should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals.
- Ketoconazole is significantly excreted in the bile and urine. Individuals with biliary obstructions and compromised renal functions tend to retain the drug in the circulation longer, thus resulting in toxicity. Ketoconazole should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals.
