Xolegel (ketoconazole) is a good choice for treating seborrheic dermatitis, but shouldn't be used if you have a weakened immune system.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Xolegel (ketoconazole) is an antifungal gel but experts aren't sure exactly how it works to treat seborrheic dermatitis as the condition is not caused by a fungus.
Source: FDA
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.
Works well
Easy to use
Only has to be used once a day
Works faster than other topical forms of ketoconazole
Not approved for children under 12 years old
Not approved for people with compromised immune systems
No generic available, so can be very expensive
Wash and dry your hands well before applying Xolegel (ketoconazole). Apply a thin layer to all affected areas using your fingertips to rub it in. Don't wash the areas where you've applied Xolegel (ketoconazole) for at least 3 hours, and wait 20 minutes before you apply sunscreen or makeup.
Xolegel (ketoconazole) is flammable. Avoid fire, flames, or smoking during and after applying Xolegel (ketoconazole). Store your carton in a cool, dry place away from sources of heat.
Wash your hands well after using Xolegel (ketoconazole) to prevent it from getting in your eyes, mouth, nose, or vagina. If Xolegel (ketoconazole) does accidentally get in one of these areas, rinse it with water right away.
Use Xolegel (ketoconazole) for a maximum of 2 weeks. Don't use Xolegel (ketoconazole) for longer than your healthcare provider has prescribed. If you see no improvement after 2 weeks, let your healthcare provider know. You may need a different medication.
If you are breastfeeding, don't apply Xolegel (ketoconazole) to the nipples or areolas. This will help prevent your child from getting Xolegel (ketoconazole) in their mouth. Please let your healthcare provider know if you feel you need medication for these areas.
Xolegel (ketoconazole) 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.
Xolegel (ketoconazole) contains flammable ingedients. Stay away from fires or open flames and don't smoke during and immediately after using Xolegel (ketoconazole). Avoid getting the Xolegel (ketoconazole) carton close to fires, flames, or other heat sources. Even if the Xolegel (ketoconazole) container is empty, don't throw it into a fire.
Xolegel (ketoconazole) can cause irritation where you apply it. If this irritation happens or your dermatitis symptoms get worse while using Xolegel (ketoconazole), talk to your healthcare provider. Do not stop using it unless your provider tells you to do so.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
45g of 2% | 1 tube | $832.82 | $832.82 |
Apply Xolegel (ketoconazole) to the affected areas once daily for 2 weeks.
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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