Ketoconazole, Topical

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is put on the skin to treat fungal infections and on the scalp to treat dandruff. Use it exactly as directed.
• This medicine may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: anti-infective; antifungal

Generic and brand names: ketoconazole, topical; Extina; Ketodan; Ketozole; Xologel; Nizoral A-D Shampoo; Nizoral Shampoo (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is applied to the skin to treat various fungal infections and on the scalp to treat dandruff. The medicine comes in a cream, gel, foam, and a shampoo. You can buy Nizoral A-D Shampoo without a prescription.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicines or to sulfites (preservatives).

Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes or follow the directions that come with the medicine package. Do not use more or less of it than recommended. Use the medicine as long as directed, even if you feel better. If you stop using it too soon, the infection may return.

Check with your healthcare provider before using this medicine in children. Some brands should not be used in children under a certain age.

Before and after you use this medicine, wash your skin with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and pat dry with a soft towel.

Put a thin layer of medicine on the area where you need it. Using too much medicine or using it too often can increase the risk of side effects from absorption into your body. Do not bandage or cover the area unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

If the fungus is on your feet, be sure to apply the medicine between your toes. Wear clean cotton socks and keep your feet dry.

If the infection is in the groin area, wear loose cotton underwear. Keep the area dry.

Keep this medicine away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. Do not use it on broken skin. If the medicine gets into your eyes, flush them with plenty of cool tap water.

If you have the foam, put a small amount of foam into the cap of the can. Do not spray foam directly on your hands because the foam will melt too fast. Pick up small amounts of foam with your fingers and gently massage into the affected area until the foam disappears. If you are using the foam on a hairy area, part the hair and put the foam directly on the skin.

The gel and foam are flammable. Do not use while you are smoking or near an open flame.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

If your condition does not improve in a few weeks or if it gets worse, contact your healthcare provider.

Do not use this medicine for other conditions unless your healthcare provider approves.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Skin rash, blistering, oozing, redness, itching, or burning; numbness or tingling of the hands or feet.

Other: Mild hair loss, dry skin, dryness or increased oiliness of hair and scalp, mild stinging.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. Do not use any other medicines on your skin or scalp unless approved by your healthcare provider.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.