ketoconazole topical Health Article

Generic name(s):

ketoconazole topical

Brand name(s):

Extina, Kuric, Nizoral A-D, Nizoral Topical, Xolegel

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

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. 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.

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.

Call your doctor if your condition does not improve within 2 weeks, or if your symptoms get worse.

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. Ketoconazole topical 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 other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ketoconazole. FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. 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. Do not use this medication on a child younger than 12 years old.

How should I apply ketoconazole topical?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Do not use this medication for any skin condition that has not been diagnosed by a 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.

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.

Call your doctor if your condition does not improve within 2 weeks, or if your symptoms get worse.

Store ketoconazole topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Ketoconazole topical gel is flammable. Do not use it while you are smoking or near an open flame.