Uses
Ketoconazole topical cream is used to treat tinea corporis (ringworm; fungal skin infection that causes a red scaly rash on different parts of the body), tinea cruris (jock itch; fungal infection of the skin in the groin or buttocks), tinea pedis (athlete’s foot; fungal infection of the skin on the feet and between the toes), tinea versicolor (fungal infection of the skin that causes brown or light colored spots on the chest, back, arms, legs, or neck), and yeast infections of the skin. Prescription ketoconazole shampoo is used to treat tinea versicolor. Over-the-counter ketoconazole shampoo is used to control flaking, scaling, and itching of the scalp caused by dandruff. Ketoconazole topical is in a class of antifungal medications called imidazoles. It works by slowing the growth of fungi that cause infection.
Side Effects Of Ketoconazole Topical
Ketoconazole topical may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- changes in hair texture
- blisters on scalp
- dry skin
- itching
- oily or dry hair or scalp
- irritation, itching, or stinging in the place where you applied the medication
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
- rash
- hives
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- redness, tenderness, swelling, pain, or warmth in the place where you applied the medication
Ketoconazole topical may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before using ketoconazole:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ketoconazole topical or any other medications, creams, or shampoos. If you will be using the cream, tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfites.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical condition. If you will be using the cream, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using ketoconazole, call your doctor.
Ketoconazole Topical Dosage
- Prescription ketoconazole comes as a cream and a shampoo to apply to the skin. Over-the-counter ketoconazole comes as a shampoo to apply to the scalp. Ketoconazole topical cream is usually applied once a day for 2 to 6 weeks. Prescription ketoconazole shampoo is usually applied one time to treat the infection. Over-the-counter ketoconazole shampoo is usually used every 3 to 4 days for up to 8 weeks, and then used as needed to control dandruff. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use ketoconazole topical exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
- One treatment with prescription ketoconazole shampoo may successfully treat your tinea versicolor infection. However, it may take several months for your skin color to return to normal, especially if your skin is exposed to sunlight. After your infection is treated, there is a chance that you will develop another tinea versicolor infection.
- If you are using over-the-counter ketoconazole topical shampoo to treat dandruff, your symptoms should improve during the first 2 to 4 weeks of your treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve during this time or if your symptoms get worse at any time during your treatment.
- If you are using ketoconazole cream, your symptoms should improve at the beginning of your treatment. Continue to use ketoconazole cream even if you are feeling well. If you stop using ketoconazole cream too soon, your infection may not be completely cured and your symptoms may return.
- Ketoconazole cream and shampoos are only for use on the skin or scalp. Do not let ketoconazole cream or shampoo get into your eyes or mouth, and do not swallow the medication. If you do get ketoconazole topical cream or shampoo in your eyes, wash them with plenty of water.
- To use the cream, apply enough cream to cover the affected area and all of the skin around it.
To use the prescription shampoo, follow these steps:
- Use a small amount of water to wet your skin in the area where you will apply ketoconazole shampoo.
- Apply the shampoo to the affected skin and a large area around it.
- Use your fingers to rub the shampoo until it forms a lather.
- Leave the shampoo on your skin for 5 minutes.
- Rinse the shampoo off of your skin with water.
To use the over-the-counter shampoo, follow these steps:
- Be sure that your scalp is not broken, cut, or irritated. Do not use ketoconazole topical shampoo if your scalp is broken or irritated.
- Wet your hair thoroughly.
- Apply the shampoo to your hair.
- Use your fingers to rub the shampoo until it forms a lather.
- Rinse all of the shampoos out of your hair with plenty of water.
- Repeat steps 2 to 5.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Ketoconazole shampoo may remove the curl from hair that has been permanently waved (‘permed’).
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the ketoconazole topical, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
