Skip to main navigation Skip to main content Skip to footer For Medicare For Providers For Brokers For Employers Español For Individuals & Families: For Individuals & Families
Shop for Plans

Shop for Plans
Shop for your own coverage
Medical Dental Other Supplemental
Plans through your employer

Learn about the medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral, and voluntary benefits your employer may offer.

Explore coverage through work
Learn
How to Buy Health Insurance Types of Dental Insurance Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment See all topics
Looking for Medicare coverage?
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Medical Dental Other Supplemental Explore coverage through work How to Buy Health Insurance Types of Dental Insurance Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment See all topics Shop for Medicare plans Member Guide Find a Doctor Log in to myCigna
Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library ketoconazole topical

ketoconazole topical

Pronunciation: kee toe KOE na zole

Brand: Extina, Ketodan, Kuric, Nizoral A-D, Nizoral Topical, Xolegel

Ketoconazole Topical

slide 1 of 3, Ketoconazole Topical,

2%

Image of Ketoconazole Topical
slide 1 of 3

Ketoconazole Topical

slide 2 of 3, Ketoconazole Topical,

2%

Image of Ketoconazole Topical
slide 2 of 3

Ketoconazole Topical

slide 3 of 3, Ketoconazole Topical,

2%

Image of Ketoconazole Topical
slide 3 of 3
What is the most important information I should know about ketoconazole topical?

What is the most important information I should know about ketoconazole topical?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

 What is ketoconazole topical?

What is ketoconazole topical?

Ketoconazole topical (for the skin) is an antifungal medicine used to treat infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and seborrhea (dry, flaking skin or dandruff).

Ketoconazole topical is also used to treat a fungal infection called pityriasis, which causes scaly discolored patches on the skin of the neck, chest, arms, or legs.

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?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ketoconazole topical?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to ketoconazole.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

  • asthma or a sulfite allergy;
  • an allergic reaction to an antifungal medicine, such as clotrimazole, econazole, or miconazole.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using ketoconazole topical.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about using this medicine on a child.

How should I apply ketoconazole topical?

How should I apply ketoconazole topical?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Using more of this medicine or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and may increase side effects.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds or irritated skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.

Clean and dry the skin before applying ketoconazole cream, foam, or gel.

This medicine may be flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame, or while smoking. Avoid heat or smoking until the medicine has completely dried on your skin.

Ketoconazole shampoo is not for daily use. Allow at least 3 days to pass between uses.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not begin to improve after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment, or if your condition gets worse.

Store ketoconazole topical at room temperature. Protect from light and do not refrigerate or freeze.

 What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

 What happens if I overdose?

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?

What should I avoid while using ketoconazole topical?

Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse 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.

You may need to avoid sunlight if you are treating pityriasis. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with ketoconazole topical unless your doctor tells you to.

 What are the possible side effects of ketoconazole topical?

What are the possible side effects of ketoconazole topical?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • burning, stinging, or severe irritation after using this medicine;
  • redness, pain, or oozing of treated skin; or
  • shortness of breath.

Common side effects may include:

  • thinning hair;
  • changes in the color or texture of your hair;
  • dry skin; or
  • mild itching.

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?

What other drugs will affect ketoconazole topical?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

 Where can I get more information?

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ketoconazole topical.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>

Page Footer

I want to...

Get an ID card File a claim View my claims and EOBs Check coverage under my plan See prescription drug list Find an in-network doctor, dentist, or facility Find a form Find 1095-B tax form information View the Cigna Glossary Contact Cigna

Audiences

Individuals and Families Medicare Employers Brokers Providers

Secure Member Sites

myCigna member portal Health Care Provider portal Cigna for Employers Client Resource Portal Cigna for Brokers

The Cigna Group Information

About The Cigna Group Company Profile Careers Newsroom Investors Suppliers The Cigna Group Third Party Administrators International Evernorth

 Cigna. All rights reserved.

Privacy Legal Product Disclosures Cigna Company Names Customer Rights Accessibility Non-Discrimination Notice Language Assistance [PDF] Report Fraud Sitemap Cookie Settings

Disclaimer

Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care plans or insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, are administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, and are insured by either (i) Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT); (ii) Life Insurance Company of North America (“LINA”) (Philadelphia, PA); or (iii) New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY (“NYLGICNY”) (New York, NY), formerly known as Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. LINA and NYLGICNY are not affiliates of Cigna.

All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website. Cigna may not control the content or links of non-Cigna websites. Details