Ketoconazole Topical: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

Ketoconazole is used to treat skin infections such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and certain kinds of dandruff. This medication is also used to treat a skin condition known as pityriasis (tinea versicolor), a fungal infection that causes a lightening or darkening of the skin of the neck, chest, arms, or legs. Ketoconazole is an azole antifungal that works by preventing the growth of fungus.

How to use ketoconazole topical

Use this medication on the skin only. Clean and thoroughly dry the area to be treated. Apply this medication to the affected skin, usually once or twice a day or as directed by your doctor. Dosage and length of treatment depends on the type of infection being treated. Do not apply this more often than prescribed. Your condition will not clear faster, but side effects may be increased.

Apply enough medication to cover the affected skin and some of the surrounding skin. After applying this medication, wash your hands. Do not wrap, cover or bandage the area unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Do not apply this medication in the eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. If this medication gets in the eyes (for example, when used to treat dandruff), rinse thoroughly with water.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day.

Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after starting ketoconazole. Stopping the medication too early may allow the fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.

Inform your doctor if your condition lasts after the prescribed amount of treatment or gets worse at any time.

Side Effects

Stinging, swelling, irritation, or redness of the treated skin may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: blistering, open sores.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using ketoconazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other azole antifungals such as clotrimazole, econazole, or miconazole; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Does ketoconazole topical interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.

When treating pityriasis, this medication may not cause an immediate return to normal skin color. It may take several months after treatment is completed for your natural skin color to return.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Images

ketoconazole 2 % topical cream

Color: whiteShape: Imprint:

This medicine is a white, cream

ketoconazole 2 % topical cream

Color: whiteShape: Imprint:

This medicine is a white, cream

ketoconazole 2 % topical cream

Color: whiteShape: Imprint:

This medicine is a white, cream

ketoconazole 2 % topical cream

Color: whiteShape: Imprint:

This medicine is a white, cream

ketoconazole 2 % topical cream

Color: whiteShape: Imprint:

This medicine is a white, cream

ketoconazole 2 % topical cream

Color: whiteShape: Imprint:

This medicine is a white, cream

ketoconazole 2 % topical cream

Color: whiteShape: Imprint:

This medicine is a white, cream

ketoconazole 2 % topical cream

Color: whiteShape: Imprint:

This medicine is a white, cream

ketoconazole 2 % topical cream

Color: whiteShape: Imprint:

This medicine is a white, cream

ketoconazole 2 % topical cream

Color: whiteShape: Imprint:

This medicine is a white, cream

ketoconazole 2 % topical cream

Color: whiteShape: Imprint:

This medicine is a white, cream

ketoconazole 2 % topical cream

Color: whiteShape: Imprint:

This medicine is a white, cream

ketoconazole 2 % topical cream

Color: whiteShape: Imprint:

This medicine is a white, cream

ketoconazole 2 % topical cream

Color: whiteShape: Imprint:

This medicine is a white, cream

ketoconazole 2 % topical cream

Color: whiteShape: Imprint:

This medicine is a white, cream

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Effectiveness, Ease of Use, and Satisfaction

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2.9 Overall Rating

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Most voted positive review

40 People found this comment helpful

I have extremely bad dandruff. I used the shampoo once a week and on another day I would use Nioxin. My dermatologist suggested alternating shampoos with different bases. I have curly hair, so I don’t wash my hair more than twice a week. My hair isn’t dried out either. I also use a topical steriod solution to calm itches as well as two steriod shots over a period of two weeks. So far, my scalp has…

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Shared reviews and ratings

SORT BY Condition: Dandruff

Overall rating 1.7

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

I have only used it once and it took more of my hair out, the doctor told me to use it 3 times a week, but i went to her for my hair thinning badly & patches of hair loss too! Now i’m very concerned of using this shampoo anymore cause of losing more hair, yikes! Is dandruff a cause of losing so much hair over a period of time? This shampoo is a generic too!!

1

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Scaly Oily Skin Problem Primarily On Face and Scalp

Overall rating 2.3

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

At the onset of the symptoms I start using ketoconazole 2-3 times a day. It keeps getting worse and patches of dead skin start appearing, which looks so bad I have to use tweezers to pick it off. When I can’t stand it any longer I resort to using triamcinolone acetonide. In 2-3 days the condition improves and goes away. However since this medication is a cortisone I have been advised to use it sparingly.

1

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Dandruff

Overall rating 5.0

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

I use this every time I wash my hair, before shampoo and conditioner. It makes my hair and scalp feel so clean and helps so much with my dandruff areas! I love this stuff!

1

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Fungal Infection of Skin

Overall rating 2.7

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

Taken for a yeast infection of the scalp. It hardly does anything. Took the whole bottle according to directions and saw no change at all.

1

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Ringworm of the Beard

Overall rating 2.3

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

Options for reason suck!!
cvs doc mis diagnosed psoriasis for ringworm on my legs. $65 wasted where generic body lotion was just as effective.

ShapeCreated with Sketch. 1

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Fungal Infection of Skin

Overall rating 5.0

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

My dermatologist initially prescribed Ketoconazole 2% cream for a small fungal infection near my hairline. After about a week, the spot was completely gone, but I continued to use the cream for another week as prescribed. Nearly 6 months later, it has not returned. I brought this cream back out a week and a half ago after experiencing the severe itching, redness, and scales characteristic of a fungal infection on the back of neck and groin area. I’ve struggled with a variety of skin issues my entire life, so I recognized these as fungal infections. One day after applying the cream to these areas, the redness, scaling, and skin integrity drastically improved along with the itching. Almost two weeks later, they’re all but gone. For me, ketoconazole 2% is extremely effective. I will say, however, that along with the cream I practice other precautions: I keep the affected areas clean and dry. I also use the medicine in conjunction with Aquaphor for dryness and hydrocortisone for itchiness as needed. For moist groin areas, I also alternate with an over-the-counter antifungal spray (Walgreens Jock Itch spray works just fine).Read More Read Less

1

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Ringworm of the Beard

Overall rating 2.3

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

I’ve been battling tinea cruris/corpus for over two months now. GP put me on K2%, a lot of redness and skin discoloration and a lot of itching! Fighting an increased area in my arm pits which seem to be growing not slowing. Going to try using K2 on one side, alternate nystatin on the other side. My groin and penis look red from this not healed. I’ll come back in a week with a follow up.

1

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Other

Overall rating 5.0

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

Works great for my face “irritations” that would normally flare up from time to time. They are pretty annoying and slightly painful. As long as I apply this at least once a week, the “irritations” never appear. You have to stay on top of it or it gets out of control. When it is out of control you have to use a steroid cream to calm everything down again.

1

ShapeCreated with Sketch. 1

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Fungal Infection of Skin

Overall rating 4. 7

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

It may take a few days but the improvement in the skin condition are very Noticeable even the naked eye. I make that observation based on my own experience.

1

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Inflammation and Infection of Nail Cuticle

Overall rating 2.3

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

Applied to Mom’s feet religiously for 6 months. Used cotton socks and sandals. No effect. Would NOT prescribe oral meds, stating they were “too hard on the liver.” So she suffers with this instead. The toes catch on socks and are so thickened and distended that shoes don’t fit properly.

2

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Fungal Infection of Skin

Overall rating 1.0

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

Had a rash on the external sides of my mouth, got presribed this, and then made the life-regretful mistake of applying it not only to those areas but also on totally fine spots as a test, which were a spot on my forehead, around my nose and on my cheeks. After application, all spots burned a bit, but the next day the rash spots by my mouth had become so dry and lost virtually 100% elasticity. It bled if i even smiled and the skin were to stretch a little, and applying any moisturizers would make it burn 10/10 searing burning pain. This new condition then seemed to cycle on a monthly schedule of becoming almost normal then flaky then super dry and i cringed everytime this happened. As for the test spots, ALL of those spots are permanently thinned, weaker, and are lighter than the unmedicated skin, so i have a multitoned complexion now. I took this medication about 9 years ago and these effects are basically still there, except that the extremely dry spot on my mouth gradually improved their elasticity from year 5 and on. I’ve found that I’ve needed to drastically limit my sugar and carbs, otherwise those spots that were damaged by the ketoconazole all revert back. I honestly wish i could sue the doctor for causing me this permanent damage and urge everyone, if you will use this, use it as sparingly as possible because it can cause permanent damage to your skin. The label even said “could cause skin lightening, thinning, dryness”, but who would ever imagine the extent and PERMANENT DAMAGE. Read More Read Less

2

ShapeCreated with Sketch. 1

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Scaly Oily Skin Problem Primarily On Face and Scalp

Overall rating 4.0

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

This is one of the few shampoos that is effective for the stubborn dandruff I have had for many years. Prescription Selsun shampoo was also helpful. Shampoo with both 2% sulfur and salicylic were helpful in past.

2

ShapeCreated with Sketch. 1

thumb_up copy 5Created with Sketch.Report this post

Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Scaly Oily Skin Problem Primarily On Face and Scalp

Overall rating 4.0

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

This is one of the few shampoos that is effective for the stubborn dandruff I have had for many years. Prescription Selsun shampoo was also helpful. Shampoo with both 2% sulfur and salicylic were helpful in past.

ShapeCreated with Sketch. 2

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Ringworm of the Body

Overall rating 1.0

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

I had a two dime size ringworm infections. I went to the doctor prescribed me with Ketoconazole, and they are now both quarter and they are so itchy like hell. It is not effective at all!!!

3

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Fungal Infection of Skin

Overall rating 2.3

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

I was told to us this cream once a day for three weeks by the PA. It made my rash worse twenty fold. Cannot use!

4

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Athlete’s Foot

Overall rating 1.0

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

I had a bad experience with this cream. I had athletes feet on only one of my foot. I applied on both since the other just got better since I was using natural coconut oil as treatment. .. Honestly I just used this cream like three times and both my feet got worse. Be careful of this cream.

3

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Fungal Infection of Skin

Overall rating 2.0

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

I was prescribed this cream for an infection on my face. Please, please try this somewhere other than your face before applying! After 2 applications, my face was burning and itching and looked like I had been torched. Still waiting after 2 days for the swelling to go down.

4

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Athlete’s Foot

Overall rating 1.0

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

Caused severe contact dermatitis rash on tops of both feet Rash skin discoloration still present 1 week after discontinuation of product. .as of this writing feet are not back to normal will not use product again now undergoing trement wth dermatologist to correct condition this medication caused

3

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Fungal Infection of Skin

Overall rating 1.0

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

Giant hives all over neck and face and severe swelling on neck, face and back of neck, ear. Only one application and the redness and swelling appeared. One blotch in front of throat caused problem swolling, sore throat, headache.

2

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Ringworm of the Body

Overall rating 2.3

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

This medicine caused my ringworm to spread wider and get worse. I highly do not recommend it.

3

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instructions for use, price, analogues, composition, indications

1 g of cream contains:

Active substance: ketoconazole 20 mg.

Excipients: propylene glycol, cetostearyl alcohol, octyldodecanol,

glycerin, anhydrous sodium sulfite, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, purified water.

uniform white or almost white cream.

Antifungal. It has a fungicidal or fungistatic effect. The mechanism of action is to inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol and change the lipid composition of the membrane. It is active against the causative agent of multi-colored lichen Malassezia furfur, pathogens of some dermatomycosis (Trichophyton sp., Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum sp.), Candidiasis pathogens (Candida sp.), and Pityrosporum sp. Ketoconazole cream acts quickly on itching in dermatophyte and yeast infections, as well as in rut lesions caused by Pityrosporum sp. In this case, symptomatic improvement is observed even before the first signs of recovery appear.

When applied topically, ketoconazole is not absorbed.

Dermatophyte skin infections caused by Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis and Epidermophyton floccosum: ringworm of the smooth rut, inguinal athlete, epidermophytosis of the hands and feet. Skin candidiasis. Pityriasis versicolor. Seborrheic dermatitis caused by Pityrosporum ovale.

Hypersensitivity to ketoconazole or any of the excipients of the formulation.

Well-controlled safety studies of ketoconazole 2% cream have not been conducted in pregnant and lactating women. The limited data available indicate that there are no adverse effects of the use of the cream on the course of pregnancy or on the health of the fetus / newborn. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity at doses not related to topical ketoconazole.

There are currently no known risks associated with the use of Ketoconazole 2% cream during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Skin candidiasis, ringworm of the smooth rut, athlete’s groin, athlete’s foot and hands, pityriasis versicolor: the cream is applied once a day to the affected skin and immediately adjacent area.

Seborrheic dermatitis: the cream is applied to the affected area once or twice a day, depending on the severity of the lesion.

Treatment should be continued for a sufficient interval: for several days after the disappearance of all symptoms of the disease. The diagnosis should be re-evaluated if there is no clinical improvement after 4 weeks of treatment.

The usual duration of treatment is as follows: pityriasis versicolor – 2-3 weeks, skin candidiasis – 2-3 weeks, athlete’s groin – 2-4 weeks, ringworm of smooth skin – 3-4 weeks, athlete’s foot – 4-6 weeks.

The usual duration of treatment for seborrheic dermatitis is 2-4 weeks. For maintenance therapy for seborrheic dermatitis, the cream is applied once or twice a week.

Side effects that occur during treatment with ketoconazole are classified according to the frequency of occurrence into the appropriate groups: very often (> 1/10), often (> 1/100 to 1/1000 to 1/10000 to

Immune system disorders Uncommon: hypersensitivity.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Common: burning sensation.

Uncommon: bullous rash, contact dermatitis, rash, skin desquamation, oily/dry skin.

Frequency not known: urticaria.

Systemic disorders and complications at the injection site Common: erythema and itching at the injection site.

Uncommon: bleeding, discomfort, dryness, burning, irritation, paresthesia at the site of application.

The use of the cream in excessive amounts may lead to erythema, edema and burning sensation, which usually disappear after therapy is discontinued.

If the cream is accidentally swallowed by children, no special measures are required.

Interaction with other medicinal products has not been observed.

The cream is for external use only. In case of contact with eyes, rinse thoroughly with water. The use of the cream is not contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.

To prevent withdrawal after discontinuation of long-term treatment with topical corticosteroids, it is recommended that topical corticosteroids be continued in the morning and ketoconazole cream in the evening, followed by gradual withdrawal of steroids over 2-3 weeks.

Use in persons under 18 years of age.

The drug can be used in children from birth.

Influence on the ability to drive a car or other mechanisms

Ketoconazole usually does not affect the ability to drive a car and work with potentially dangerous mechanisms.

15 g of cream in an aluminum tube. One tube with leaflet in a cardboard box.

At 15 to 25°C.

Do not freeze.

Keep out of reach of children.

3 years. Do not use after the expiry date stated on the packaging.

Without a prescription

Ketoconazole Vertex instructions for use: indications, contraindications, side effects – description Ketoconazole Vertex Medicinal shampoo (47833)