What is the most important information I should know about ketoconazole topical?
You should not use ketoconazole topical if you are allergic to it.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antifungal medication.
Do not use bandages or dressings over the treated skin areas, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Stop using ketoconazole topical and call your doctor if you have severe burning, irritation, redness, pain, or oozing where the medicine is applied.
Ketoconazole topical gel is flammable. Do not use it while you are smoking or near an open flame.
Do not use this medication on a child younger than 12 years old.
What is ketoconazole topical?
Ketoconazole topical is an antifungal medication that prevents fungus from growing on your skin.
Ketoconazole topical is used to treat fungal infections of the skin such as athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and seborrhea (dry, flaking skin).
Ketoconazole topical is available as a cream, gel, and as a shampoo. The shampoo is used for the treatment of dandruff.
Ketoconazole topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ketoconazole topical?
You should not use ketoconazole topical if you are allergic to it.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ketoconazole topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether ketoconazole topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. You should not breast-feed if you have applied ketoconazole topical to your breast area.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old without medical advice.
How should I apply ketoconazole topical?
Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Do not use ketoconazole topical to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.
Wash your hands before and after using this medication.
Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a thin layer of the cream or gel to the affected skin area as directed. This medicine is usually used for only 2 to 4 weeks.
Wait at least 20 minutes after applying this medicine before you use cosmetics or sunscreen on the treated skin area. Do not wash the treated skin for at least 3 hours after applying ketoconazole topical.
Do not use bandages or dressings over the treated skin areas, unless your doctor has told you to.
Use the shampoo twice per week, unless your doctor has told you otherwise. Apply enough shampoo to create a lather and massage the scalp for 1 minute. Rinse thoroughly and repeat, leaving the lather on for an additional 3 minutes. Then rinse it off completely. Allow at least 3 days to pass between uses of ketoconazole shampoo.
Call your doctor if your condition does not improve within 2 weeks, or if your symptoms get worse.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antifungal medication.
Store ketoconazole topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Ketoconazole topical gel is flammable. Avoid using near open flame, and do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of ketoconazole topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
What should I avoid while using ketoconazole topical?
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water.
Avoid covering treated skin areas with tight-fitting, synthetic clothing (such as nylon or polyester) that doesn't allow air to circulate to your skin. If you are treating your feet, wear clean cotton socks and sandals or shoes that allow for air circulation. Keep your feet as dry as possible.
Avoid using other skin or hair products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps or shampoos or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.
What are the possible side effects of ketoconazole topical?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using ketoconazole topical and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- severe itching, burning, or irritation where the medicine is applied;
- oily or dry scalp, mild hair loss;
- redness, pain, or oozing of treated skin areas; or
- eye redness, swelling, or irritation.
Less serious side effects include:
- mild skin itching or irritation;
- dry skin; or
- headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect ketoconazole topical?
There may be other drugs that can affect ketoconazole topical. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about ketoconazole topical.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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