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Ketoconazole

About Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole belongs to a class of drugs called 'antifungal' primarily used to treat fungal infections of the skin like ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot, seborrheic dermatitis (dry, flaky skin on the face, scalp, chest, upper back or ears) and pityriasis (a type of skin rash that causes scaly, discoloured patches on chest, back, legs and arms). Fungal infection is a skin disease in which a fungus attacks the tissue and causes infection. Fungal infections may be contagious (spread from one person to another).

Ketoconazole contains Ketoconazole which works by damaging the fungal cell membranes that are essential for their survival as they prevent the entry of unwanted substances into the cells and stop the leakage of cell contents. Thus, it kills fungi and yeast. 

Ketoconazole is for external use only. Your doctor will advise you on how often you need to use Ketoconazole based on your medical condition. Common side effects include dry skin, itching, redness or burning sensation at the application site. Most of these side effects of Ketoconazole do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

If you are allergic to ketoconazole, inform your doctor. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Ketoconazole. Avoid smoking or going near naked flames as Ketoconazole may catch fire and burn easily. If you are using any steroidal cream, lotion or ointment, inform your doctor before using Ketoconazole to adjust the dose.

Uses of Ketoconazole

Fungal skin infections

Medicinal Benefits

Ketoconazole is an antifungal that is primarily used to treat fungal infections of the skin such as ringworm, jock itch and athlete’s foot, seborrheic dermatitis (dry, flaky skin on face, scalp, chest, upper back, or ears), and pityriasis (a type of skin rash that causes scaly, discoloured patches on chest, back, legs and arms). The fungal cell membranes are essential for their survival as they prevent the entry of unwanted substances into the cells and stop the leakage of cell contents. Ketoconazole destroys the fungal cell membranes and kills fungi. Thereby, clears fungal infections and provides relief from cracking, burning, scaling, and itching of the skin caused due to infections.

Directions for Use

Cream/Gel/Lotion: Wash and dry the infected area of the skin. Take a small amount of cream/gel/lotion on the finger and gently rub on the clean and dry affected area and surrounding skin. It is only for external use. Avoid contact of cream/gel/lotion with the nose, mouth, or eyes. In case it comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. Wash your hands before and after using cream/gel/lotion if hands are not the affected area to prevent the spread of infection. Shampoo: Wash your hair with the shampoo and leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, rinse thoroughly with water. Soap: Wet the body with water and rub soap gently to produce a rich lather. Leave it for a few minutes and then wash thoroughly with water. Powder: Dust the powder on the affected area or use as advised by the doctor.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Ketoconazole

  • Dry skin
  • Itching
  • Redness
  • Burning sensation at the application site

Patients Concern

Disease/Condition Glossary

Fungal infection: It is a skin disease in which a fungus attacks the tissue and causes infection. Fungal infections may be contagious (spread from one person to another). Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin or scalp that is contagious and causes a rash resembling a worm in a ring shape. Jock itch (also known as tinea cruris) is a fungal infection of the skin that causes an itchy, red rash in warm and moist areas of the body such as the groin, buttocks, and inner thighs. An athlete’s foot (also known as tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that usually starts between the toes, especially in people who have extremely sweaty feet and wear tight-fitting shoes. It occurs most commonly in athletes. It causes itching, burning, or stinging sensation due to a scaly rash. Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes an itchy rash with dry, flaky scales on the skin that contains oil glands such as the scalp, face, back, and upper chest.  

FAQs

Ketoconazole works by damaging the fungal cell membranes that are essential for their survival as they prevent the entry of unwanted substances into the cells and stop the leakage of cell contents. Thus, it kills fungi and treats the infection. 

Yes, fungal infection is a contagious skin condition that spreads from one person to another through direct skin-to-skin contact or by contact with contaminated soil or surfaces and infected animals. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid close direct contact until the infection is clear and avoid sharing things with the infected person as it can also spread the infection.

Yes, Ketoconazole may cause skin reactions such as contact dermatitis (red, itchy skin rash caused by direct contact with a certain substance) as it may contain stearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol responsible for causing such skin reactions. However, if the irritation worsens or persists, please consult a doctor.

You are recommended to apply makeup or sunscreen to the treated area of the skin after a minimum of 20 minutes of using Ketoconazole.

You are recommended to use Ketoconazole for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if the condition worsens or persists after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment with Ketoconazole, please consult a doctor.

You are not recommended to stop using Ketoconazole without consulting your doctor as it may cause recurring infections. Therefore, use Ketoconazole for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while using Ketoconazole, please consult your doctor.

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Ketoconazole

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