What is the brand name for Ketoconazole?
The brand name for Ketoconazole is Nizoral.
PTCE Top 200 · #140
Ketoconazole
Nizoral
Ketoconazole is the generic name for the brand-name drug Nizoral. It is an azole antifungal used to treat fungal infections. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Ketoconazole ranks #140 and is one of the most frequently tested infectious disease medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Ketoconazole |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Nizoral |
| Drug class | Azole antifungal |
| Class group | Infectious Disease |
| Common use | fungal infections |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Ketoconazole used for?
Treatment of certain serious systemic fungal infections (e.g., blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis) when alternative antifungal therapy is not available or tolerated.
What drug class is Ketoconazole?
Ketoconazole is an Azole antifungal in the Infectious Disease group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Ketoconazole
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightDiarrhea
- arrow_rightAbdominal pain
- arrow_rightAbnormal liver function tests
Major interactions
- arrow_rightMany QT-prolonging/contraindicated drugs (e.g., dofetilide, quinidine, pimozide, methadone, cisapride) → torsades risk
- arrow_rightStrong CYP3A4 substrate interactions: simvastatin/lovastatin contraindicated (rhabdomyolysis risk)
- arrow_rightBenzodiazepines (midazolam/triazolam) → profound sedation (avoid/contraindicated)
- arrow_rightAcid suppressants reduce absorption (separate/avoid if possible)
Is Ketoconazole a controlled substance?
No. Ketoconazole is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
WARNING: Oral ketoconazole has been associated with serious hepatotoxicity (including fatalities) and has major, sometimes life‑threatening drug interactions/QT‑prolongation risks with certain contraindicated medications.
How to remember Ketoconazole (PTCE mnemonic)
NIZO-ral KILLs fungus — keto-CONAZOLE blocks ergosterol synthesis. ORAL: hepatotoxic (boxed), strong CYP3A4 inhibitor (HUGE interactions); shampoo is safe.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Oral ketoconazole is nearly retired (liver-toxicity and drug-interaction boxed warnings) — today it's mostly shampoos and creams, and that shift itself gets tested.
Ketoconazole FAQ
What is Ketoconazole used for?
Ketoconazole is used to treat fungal infections. Treatment of certain serious systemic fungal infections (e.g., blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis) when alternative antifungal therapy is not available or tolerated.
What drug class is Ketoconazole?
Ketoconazole is an Azole antifungal (Infectious Disease group).
Is Ketoconazole a controlled substance?
No. Ketoconazole is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Infectious Disease group
Drill Ketoconazole the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).