Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Ketoconazole as follows:
- Observe compliance with any regular lab work ordered. As Ketoconazole is metabolized by the liver and carries the risk for severe damage to the liver, hepatic function could be periodically monitored, to prevent risk for toxicity. Watch closely to report any symptoms of itching, jaundice with yellowing of skin and sclera, dark urine, altered metabolism with nausea and vomiting, pain in the right upper abdominal quadrant, and fatigue suggesting damage to the liver.
- Evenly space out the doses of the antibiotic and take the dose at the scheduled time every day. Keeping to the schedule helps with maintaining a constant level of the antibiotic in the body, which is needed for infection control. Also, this helps to avoid forgetting the medication.
- Space Ketoconazole out by at least 2 hours from taking antacids containing aluminum and magnesium. These products can slow down the absorption of Ketoconazole, thus compromising the therapeutic effect of the drug. Discuss with your doctor regarding other medications you take regularly and any possible interactions they can have with Ketoconazole.
- Watch out for any continuing or worsening signs and symptoms of infection, to report to your doctor immediately, so that, a change in plan could be considered.
