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?

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?

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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 should I avoid while using ketoconazole topical?

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 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?

• 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?

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?

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.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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