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, dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Ketoconazole contains ketoconazole, which works by damaging the fungal cell membranes that are essential for their survival. Thus, it kills fungi and treats fungal infections of the skin.
Common side effects include irritation, redness or a 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. Ketoconazole is for external use only.
Uses of Ketoconazole
• Treatment of Fungal Infections: Ketoconazole treats various fungal skin infections, including ringworm, athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and body ringworm (tinea corporis).
• Relief from Inflammation: Ketoconazole reduces inflammation, itching, redness, and swelling, providing comfort for skin disorders and making treatment more bearable.
• Management of Skin Conditions: Ketoconazole is used to treat skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis when caused by fungus.
• Post-Antibiotic Skin Care: After taking antibiotics, patients may be prone to fungal overgrowth. Ketoconazole helps prevent or treat fungal skin infections that can occur when antibiotics disrupt the skin's natural balance.
Medicinal Benefits
- Ketoconazole is an antifungal medicine primarily used to treat a variety of fungal skin infections, including ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot, and pityriasis (a skin condition causing scaly, discoloured patches on the body).
- It is also effective in managing dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
- Ketoconazole works by disrupting the fungal cell membrane, an essential structure that protects the fungal cells. By damaging this membrane, Ketoconazole kills the fungus, thereby helping to eliminate the infection.
- Regular use of Ketoconazole provides relief from symptoms such as itching of the skin, scaling, flaking, redness and inflammation caused by fungal infections.
- Ketoconazole helps restore healthy skin and prevents the recurrence of fungal conditions with consistent use.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- 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.
- Ketoconazole is for external use only.
Side Effects of Ketoconazole
- Dry skin
- Itching
- Redness
- Burning sensation at the application site
Drug Warnings
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to ketoconazole or any of the components present in Ketoconazole.
- Avoid contact of Ketoconazole with nose, mouth, or eyes as it may cause irritation. In case Ketoconazole comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly.
- If you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy, or breastfeeding, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Ketoconazole.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of Ketoconazole with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Ketoconazole.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorKetoconazole is a Category C pregnancy drug and is given to a pregnant woman only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
not applicableKetoconazole usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Ketoconazole in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Ketoconazole in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
consult your doctorKetoconazole should be used in children only if advised by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Regularly change your socks and wash your feet. Avoid wearing shoes that cause your feet to sweat and feel hot.
- In wet areas such as changing rooms and gym showers, avoid walking barefoot to prevent fungal infections.
- Do not scratch the affected area of the skin, as this can spread the infection to other parts of the body.
- Avoid sharing towels, combs, bedsheets, shoes, or socks with others.
- Wash your bed sheets and towels regularly.
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 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. 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 sensations due to a scaly rash.
FAQs
Ketoconazole is used to treat fungal skin infections.
Ketoconazole works by damaging the fungal cell membranes that are essential for their survival. 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.
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.
Common side effects of Ketoconazole include itching, redness, and burning sensation at the application site. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
