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Ketoconazole Coupon - Ketoconazole 60g of 2% tube of cream

ketoconazole

Generic Nizoral
Used for Seborrheic Dermatitis, Athlete's Foot, Ringworm, Jock Itch, Candidiasis, Fungal Infection, Thrush, Tinea Versicolor
Used for Seborrheic Dermatitis, Athlete's Foot, Ringworm, Jock Itch, Candidiasis, Fungal Infection, Thrush, Tinea Versicolor

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Christina Aungst, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 25, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Ketoconazole cream?

What is Ketoconazole cream used for?

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.

Are you looking for information on ketoconazole shampoo (Nizoral A-D), Xolegel (ketoconazole) gel, ketoconazole foam (Extina), or ketoconazole tablet instead?
When does Ketoconazole cream start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsNizoral (brand name no longer available)
Drug ClassAntifungal
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$82.13(save 84.16%)
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What are the 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%)

Other Side Effects

  • Rash

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reaction: hives, swelling, trouble breathing
When do Ketoconazole cream possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Itching
Skin irritation
Stinging

Source: DailyMed

The following 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

Acne

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

Pain

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

dry skin

fast heartbeat

fever

hives

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

wheezing

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.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Ketoconazole cream

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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

Pharmacist tips for Ketoconazole cream

pharmacist

  • 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.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Ketoconazole cream

                  How long does it take for ketoconazole cream to work?
                  The time it takes for the ketoconazole cream 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.
                  Is ketoconazole cream a steroid?
                  No, ketoconazole cream 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.
                  Is ketoconazole cream over the counter?
                  No, you can't get the ketoconazole cream 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.
                  Does ketoconazole cream expire?
                  Yes, the ketoconazole cream 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.
                  How long do you use ketoconazole cream?
                  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 cream.
                  Can you use ketoconazole cream on your face?
                  Yes, you can apply ketoconazole cream 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.
                  Can you use ketoconazole cream for eczema?
                  Talk to a healthcare professional before using ketoconazole cream 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.
                  What's the difference between ketoconazole cream and selenium sulfide?
                  Ketoconazole cream 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 cream 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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                  What are the 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.

                  risk-warning

                  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.

                    dosage

                    Ketoconazole cream dosage forms

                    The average cost for 1 tube of 60g of 2% of Ketoconazole cream is $23.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 71.99% off the average retail price of $82.13.
                    tube of cream
                    Tube of cream
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    15g of 2%1 tube$13.01$13.01
                    30g of 2%1 tube$19.89$19.89
                    60g of 2%1 tube$23.00$23.00

                    Typical dosing 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

                    Interactions between Ketoconazole cream and other drugs

                    Ketoconazole cream may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Ketoconazole cream. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    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.

                    drug-cost

                    How much does Ketoconazole cream cost?

                    To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                    Ketoconazole cream (generic)
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                    $13.01

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                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Ketoconazole cream?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ketoconazole cream. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Ketoconazole cream
                    Used for:
                    $13.01 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Ciclopirox
                    Used for:

                    • Jock itch

                    • Athlete's foot

                    • Ringworm

                    • Tinea versicolor (fungal infection that causes discolored spots on the skin)

                    • Yeast infections of the skin

                    • Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp - shampoo and gel only

                    • Fungal nail infection - nail lacquer only

                    $21.73 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
                    Used for:
                    $13.64 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    latest news

                    What is the latest news about Ketoconazole cream?

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                    Ketoconazole dosages vary depending on the type and severity of infection being treated. Topical and oral ketoconazole also have different recommended doses.

                    Ketoconazole Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide for Oral and Topical Ketoconazole

                    Ketoconazole dosages vary depending on the type and severity of infection being treated. Topical and oral ketoconazole also have different recommended doses.
                    images

                    Ketoconazole cream images

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                    Ketoconazole Coupon - Ketoconazole 60g of 2% tube of cream
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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (2024). Sulfite and sulfa drugs.

                    Choi, F. D, et al. (2019). Topical ketoconazole: A systematic review of current dermatological applications and future developments. Journal of Dermatological Treatment.

                    Encube Ethicals Private Limited. (2024). Ketoconazole- ketoconazole cream, 2% cream [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    View All References (4)

                    MedlinePlus. (2024). Candida infection of the skin.

                    National Eczema Society. (n.d.). Seborrhoeic dermatitis in adults.

                    National Eczema Society. (n.d.). Skin infections and eczema.

                    Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. (2025). Ketoconazole cream [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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