Ketoconazole (KTZ)

Ketoconazole is a synthetic, imidazole-derived antifungal medication used primarily to treat non-fungal infections. Ketoconazole is sold commercially as a tablet for oral administration, and in a variety of formulations, such as creams and shampoos, for topical administration.

Ketoconazole has activity against many kinds of fungi that may cause human disease, such as Candida, Histoplasma, Coccidioides, and Blastomyces (although it is not active against Aspergillus). ketoconazole was the first orally active azole antifungal medication. However, ketoconazole has largely been replaced as a first-line systemic antifungal medication by other azole antifungal agents, such as itraconazole, because of ketoconazole's greater toxicity, poorer absorption, and more limited spectrum of activity.