ketoconazole
Ketoconazole foam (Extina) is an azole antifungal. It's used to treat seborrheic dermatitis in people 12 years and older. The foam is applied to the affected area(s), such as face and scalp, twice a day. Typically, a treatment lasts 4 weeks. One of the more common side effect of ketoconazole foam (Extina) is burning sensation at the application site.
What is Ketoconazole foam (Extina)?
What is Ketoconazole foam (Extina) used for?
How Ketoconazole foam (Extina) works
Ketoconazole foam (Extina) is an azole antifungal. Some forms of seborrheic dermatitis might be linked to an yeast infection. Ketoconazole foam (Extina) is thought to treat this skin condition by getting rid of the yeast and lowering inflammation.
Drug facts
Side effects of Ketoconazole foam (Extina)
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
- Rash from sun-sensitivity (17%)
- Burning-sensation at application site (10%)
- Other reactions at application site (6%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Dry skin
- Redness
- Irritation
- "Pins-and-needles" sensation
- Itching
The following Ketoconazole foam (Extina) 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 foam (Extina)
Pros
- Applied directly to the skin
- Has few side effects
- Stored at room temperature
Cons
- Applied twice daily
- Might need to use for 4 weeks
- Not approved for children under 12 years old
Pharmacist tips for Ketoconazole foam (Extina)
- Spray ketoconazole foam (Extina) into the cap or on a cool surface and apply it on the affected area with your fingertips. If your fingertips are warm, rinse them in cold water first. Don't spray ketoconazole foam (Extina) into the palm of your hand as the warmth will cause the medication to begin melting.
- Wash your hands well after using ketoconazole foam (Extina) to prevent it from getting in your eyes, mouth, or other sensitive areas. If ketoconazole foam (Extina) does accidentally get in one of these areas, rinse it with water right away.
- If you're putting ketoconazole foam (Extina) on an area where hair is present, move your hair out of the way and try to apply ketoconazole foam (Extina) directly onto the skin.
- Ketoconazole foam (Extina) is flammable. Avoid fire, flames, or smoking during and after applying ketoconazole foam (Extina).
- The area where you applied ketoconazole foam (Extina) might be more sensitive to the sun. Protect that area from the sun by wearing clothing like hats, long sleeve shirts, or long pants, to lower the risk of rash from the sun.
- If you notice signs of an allergic reaction after using ketoconazole foam (Extina), such as a rash, hives, or swelling, contact your healthcare provider.
Common questions about Ketoconazole foam (Extina)
No, ketoconazole foam (Extina) isn't a steroid; it's an antifungal. Depending on how severe your condition is, your provider might prescribe both ketoconazole foam (Extina) and a steroid at the same time to treat seborrheic dermatitis.
No, ketoconazole foam (Extina) isn't FDA-approved to treat ringworm. If you need treatment for ringworms, your provider might prescribe ketoconazole cream.
No, you can only get ketoconazole foam (Extina) with a prescription from your healthcare provider.
People who used ketoconazole foam (Extina) during clinical studies didn't report hair loss as a side effect. But if you're applying ketoconazole foam (Extina) to the scalp, there's a chance that this medication can cause your scalp to feel itchy. Sometimes, itchy or sensitive scalp can lead to hair loss. If you're experiencing hair loss, contact your healthcare provider so they can help you determine the cause.
Yes, you can apply ketoconazole foam (Extina) to the face. But don't spray the foam directly on your face or into your hands. Instead, spray the ketoconazole foam (Extina) into the bottle cap or on another cool surface. Then, use your fingers to take a small amount of the medication and rub it into the affected area on the face. Spraying this medication directly on your face put you at risk for getting it into your eyes. And spraying ketoconazole foam (Extina) into your hands can cause it to melt before you've a chance to apply it.
Yes, ketoconazole foam (Extina) can expire. Make sure to check the expiration date on the box or can. If the medication is past the expiration date, throw it away and ask your pharmacist for a refill. If you don't have refills left, you'll need to get a new prescription from your provider. Expired ketoconazole foam (Extina) might not work well and can raise your risk for more side effects.
In studies, over half of people using ketoconazole foam (Extina) to treat their seborrheic dermatitis saw their condition get better after 4 weeks. You could notice improvement in your skin sooner. But if your skin isn't improving after 4 weeks, contact your healthcare provider.
Ketoconazole foam (Extina) hasn't been studied during pregnancy, so it's unclear how this medication might affect babies or mothers during pregnancy. To be safe, you should avoid using ketoconazole foam (Extina) unless your healthcare provider has told you to continue using it while you're pregnant.
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Risks and warnings for Ketoconazole foam (Extina)
Ketoconazole foam (Extina) 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 rash
- Risk factors: Exposure to sunlight after applying ketoconazole foam (Extina)
Ketoconazole foam (Extina) can cause an allergic rash to form where it was applied. Sometimes, this rash doesn't happen unless you are exposed to sunlight after applying the medication. If possible, avoid the sun or cover up areas where you applied ketoconazole foam (Extina) right after you use it. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction like a rash, hives, or swelling, let your healthcare provider know. You'll need to use a different medication.
Flammable product
Ketoconazole foam (Extina) contains flammable ingredients. Stay away from fires or open flames, and don't smoke during and immediately after using ketoconazole foam (Extina). Don't store ketoconazole foam (Extina) at high temperatures (over 120 degrees Fahrenheit) and avoid getting the container close to fires, flames, or other heat sources. Even if the ketoconazole foam (Extina) can is empty, don't poke holes in it or throw it into a fire.
Ketoconazole foam (Extina) dosage
Can of foam| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50g of 2% | 1 can | $152.07 | $152.07 |
| 100g of 2% | 1 can | $214.64 | $214.64 |
Typical dosage for Ketoconazole foam (Extina)
- Spray the foam into the ketoconazole foam (Extina) cap of the bottle or on a cool surface. Use your fingers to pick up a small amount needed to cover the affected area(s). Then, apply ketoconazole foam (Extina) to the affected area(s) twice daily for 4 weeks.
Interactions between Ketoconazole foam (Extina) 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.
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