Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections such as seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch.
This medication is available in pharmacies as a cream, shampoo, foam, and tablets and is sold under the brand name Nizoral, among others.
The use of ketoconazole should always be guided by a healthcare provider, as the dosage and duration of treatment may vary depending on the form of the medication, the condition being treated, and the person’s age.
Indications for use
Ketoconazole is prescribed for:
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Seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff;
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Cutaneous candidiasis;
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Ringworm (tinea corporis);
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Jock itch (tinea cruris);
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Athlete's foot (tinea pedis);
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Tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor).
In rare cases, oral ketoconazole may be used to treat severe systemic fungal infections, such as blastomycosis or histoplasmosis, only when other antifungal treatments are not available or tolerated.
How to use
The way ketoconazole is used depends on its form. Tablets are taken by mouth, the cream is applied directly to the skin, and the shampoo is used on the scalp.
1. Ketoconazole 20 mg/g cream
Ketoconazole cream should be applied once a day to the affected skin area to treat fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, or jock itch. The skin should be washed and dried thoroughly before applying the cream.
Treatment with ketoconazole cream usually lasts for at least 4 weeks, but the exact duration should be determined by a dermatologist based on the type of infection.
2. Ketoconazole 20 mg/mL shampoo
Ketoconazole shampoo (20 mg/mL) should be applied to the scalp and left on for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing.
For adults with seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff, the shampoo should be used twice a week for 2 to 4 weeks.
To help prevent recurrence of dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, a dermatologist may recommend continuing to use ketoconazole shampoo once a week or once every two weeks.
Also recommended: How to Get Rid of Dandruff: Shampoo, Medication & More tuasaude.com/en/how-to-get-rid-of-dandruff3. Ketoconazole 2% foam
Ketoconazole foam (2%) is a prescription medication used to treat seborrheic dermatitis. It should be applied once daily to the affected skin areas, allowing it to dry before covering with clothing or cosmetics.
Treatment with ketoconazole foam usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks, based on a dermatologist's recommendation as well as clinical response.
4. Ketoconazole 200 mg tablets
Oral ketoconazole (200 mg tablets) is FDA-approved only for certain serious systemic fungal infections, such as blastomycosis and histoplasmosis, when other antifungal treatments are not available or tolerated.
Because of its potential for severe liver toxicity, adrenal suppression, and serious drug interactions, oral ketoconazole should not be used for skin, nail, or superficial fungal infections, and it is not recommended as a first-line treatment for any fungal condition.
If prescribed, ketoconazole tablets must be taken exactly as directed by a healthcare provider, and liver function should be monitored regularly throughout treatment.
Side effects
The most common side effects of ketoconazole depend on its form of use.
Ketoconazole cream can cause itching, dry skin, irritation, or a mild stinging sensation, while the shampoo may cause scalp burning, redness or irritation, hair loss, changes in hair texture, itching, dry skin, or scalp sores.
Side effects of ketoconazole tablets may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, or diarrhea. There is also the potential for severe liver toxicity, adrenal suppression, and serious drug interactions.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any side effects you may experience.
Contraindications for use
Ketoconazole should not be used by people who are allergic to ketoconazole or other antifungal medications such as miconazole, fluconazole, or itraconazole.
Ketoconazole should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only when absolutely necessary and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.