ketoconazole
Ketoconazole cream is an antifungal medication. It's used to treat different types of fungal skin infections, including ringworm and yeast skin infections. Ketoconazole cream is approved for adults only. It's typically applied onto the skin once or twice a day. Most people have very few side effects, like itching and stinging where the cream is applied.
What is Ketoconazole cream?
What is Ketoconazole cream used for?
- Ringworm
- Jock itch
- Athlete's foot
- Tinea versicolor (a fungal infection that causes discolored patches on the skin)
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Yeast infection on the skin (caused by Candida)
How Ketoconazole cream works
Ketoconazole cream is a type of antifungal medication. It kills the fungus by damaging its protective outer layer. This helps stop the fungal skin infection from spreading and getting worse.
Drug facts
Side effects of Ketoconazole cream
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Itchiness (5%)
- Skin irritation (5%)
- Stinging (5%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Rash
Ketoconazole cream serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reaction: hives, swelling, trouble breathing
The following Ketoconazole cream side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common—For cream, shampoo, foam, or gel
Itching, stinging, burning, or irritation not present before use of this medicine
Rare—For cream, foam, or gel
bleeding from sore in the mouth
blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
cracked, dry, or scaly skin
discoloration of the fingernails or toenails
dizziness
eye dryness, irritation, or swelling
red rash with watery, yellow-colored, or pus filled blisters with or without thick yellow to honey-colored crusts
skin dryness, pain, rash, redness, or swelling
sore in the mouth or on the gums
swelling of the face
Rare—For shampoo
Hair loss and irritation
Incidence not known—For gel
Incidence not known—For shampoo
Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
burning sensation of the skin
burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site
discoloration of the hair
fast heartbeat
hoarseness
irritation
itching, scaling, severe redness, or soreness of the skin
joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
rash
shortness of breath
swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
thinning of the hair
tightness in the chest
troubled breathing or swallowing
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common—For shampoo or gel
Dryness or oiliness of the hair and scalp
headache
Rare—For shampoo
Abnormal hair texture
mild dryness of the skin
scalp pustules
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Ketoconazole cream
Pros
- Can treat many different kinds of fungal skin infections
- Skin usually starts improving shortly after you start using the cream
- Applied directly to the affected area(s)
- Has few side effects
Cons
- Must use for at least 2 weeks (depends on the type of infection)
- Not available over the counter
- Some creams have sulfites, which can cause allergic reactions in certain people
- Not known if safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Pharmacist tips for Ketoconazole cream
- Use the ketoconazole cream only on the skin. Don't put it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or anywhere else in your body. If you do, it can cause irritation.
- Wash and dry the affected area(s) of your skin well before applying the ketoconazole cream.
- Wash your hands well after you use the ketoconazole cream, unless you need to use it on your hands. This prevents the medication from getting in your eyes or other places on your body where you don't need it.
- You might feel some stinging or itching after you apply the ketoconazole cream. But if you notice a serious rash appear, call your care team.
- Most people will see their fungal skin infection start to get better within a few days after starting the ketoconazole cream.
- If you have tinea versicolor, use the ketoconazole cream for 2 weeks. But be patient for your skin color to go back to normal. It could take weeks or months after you finish using the cream to see improvement in color. This doesn't mean that the ketoconazole cream didn't work. Ask your dermatologist if you're worried about your skin color after treatment.
- Make sure to keep using the ketoconazole cream the entire time your prescriber tells you to. Stopping too early can cause your infection to come back or become worse.
- If your skin infection doesn't get better or gets worse after you finish using the ketoconazole cream, talk to your prescriber. You might need a different medication to treat your infection.
Common questions about Ketoconazole
The time it takes for the Ketoconazole to work can be different depending on the type of fungal skin infection you have. Most skin infections usually start getting better within a few days of using the cream. But it can take 2 to 6 weeks of using the cream every day to see the full effects. If your skin infection doesn't get better after a few weeks, or if it gets worse, tell your prescriber.
No, Ketoconazole isn't a steroid. It's an antifungal medication. Antifungals help get rid of the actual fungus that's causing the infection. Steroids usually help lessen skin inflammation, which can come with a skin infection.
No, you can't get the Ketoconazole over the counter. You need a prescription for it from a healthcare professional. there are other antifungal medications you can find over the counter at your local pharmacy. Talk to a healthcare professional about the best treatment option for your skin infection.
Yes, the Ketoconazole expires. There should be an expiration date on the tube of cream. Don't use the cream after this date. If you need one, talk to your prescriber or pharmacist.
For ringworm, jock itch, tinea versicolor, and yeast skin infections, you usually use the cream for 2 weeks. For seborrheic dermatitis, most people need to use the cream for 4 weeks. And for athlete's foot, it's best to use the cream for 6 weeks to treat the infection. Note that your prescriber might give you different directions. So it's important to follow their instructions carefully. Make sure to finish your full course of treatment, even if your skin clears up sooner. Ask your prescriber if you have questions about how long you should use the Ketoconazole.
Yes, you can apply Ketoconazole to the skin on your face. But you should only apply the cream where the skin infection is, or where your prescriber tells you to. Avoid getting the medication near or in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you do, you might have an uncomfortable reaction like irritation.
Talk to a healthcare professional before using Ketoconazole for any type of eczema. This cream is only FDA approved for a kind of eczema called seborrheic dermatitis. Antifungals aren't usually used for eczema since it's caused by inflammation, not fungus. But sometimes, eczema can get infected with fungus and need treatment. If this happens, talk to your prescriber so they can recommend the best treatment for you.
Ketoconazole and selenium sulfide are both antifungal medications you put on your skin. They can both treat skin problems called seborrheic dermatitis and tinea versicolor. But Ketoconazole is also for ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot, and yeast infections on the skin. And selenium sulfide can also help with dandruff since it helps slow down how fast skin cells shed. Talk to a healthcare professional to learn about how these two medications compare. They can help decide which is best for you.
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Risks and warnings for Ketoconazole cream
Ketoconazole cream can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Allergic reaction
- Risk factors: Asthma | Allergy to sulfites
Even though it's rare, some people could have a serious allergic reaction to the ketoconazole cream. If you get hives, your face or tongue swells up, or you have trouble breathing, get medical help right away.
Some ketoconazole creams also have sulfites in them. If you're allergic to sulfites or have asthma, your chance of an allergic reaction could be higher. It's important to know that sulfite and sulfa are not the same thing. So, many people with a sulfa allergy can still use this cream. If you know you have a sulfite allergy, talk to your prescriber to make sure the ketoconazole cream is safe for you.
Ketoconazole cream dosage
Tube of cream| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15g of 2% | 1 tube | $13.01 | $13.01 |
| 30g of 2% | 1 tube | $17.73 | $17.73 |
| 60g of 2% | 1 tube | $20.64 | $20.64 |
Typical dosage for Ketoconazole cream
- Ringworm, jock itch, tinea versicolor, or yeast skin infection: Apply the cream to the affected area(s) and the areas surrounding the infection. Apply once a day for 2 weeks.
- Athlete's foot: Apply the cream to the affected area(s) and the areas surrounding the infection. Apply once a day for 6 weeks.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: Apply the cream to the affected area(s) twice a day for 4 weeks, or until the skin clears.
Interactions between Ketoconazole cream and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Ketoconazole cream cost?
What are alternatives to Ketoconazole cream?
Treatment and symptom relief (e.g., itching, irritation, redness) of the following fungal skin infections:
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