The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned healthcare professionals to avoid using ketoconazole oral tablets to treat skin and nail fungal infections. Use of this medication carries the risk of serious liver damage, adrenal gland problems, and harmful interactions with other medicines that outweigh its benefit in treating these conditions. In a July 2013 Drug Safety Communication, FDA warned that ketoconazole tablets should not be used as a first-line treatment for any fungal infection, and advised it can lead to harmful interactions with other medicines. However, an FDA safety review found that oral ketoconazole continues to be prescribed for these types of conditions. Read the FDA safety alert.