Anti fungal cream

[Normynoo]

Has anyone used Nizoral shampoo or similar while on blood thinners? I've read that the active ingredient Ketaconazole can increase bleeding risk but it's not clear whether that's just when taken orally rather than a topical ointment.

[Cavalierrubie]

Hi Normynoo,

As far as l understand topical creams are ok to use because not enough is absorbed into the bloodstream to cause a problem. I am not sure about shampoo because your pores of the skin will be more open with getting wet, but l wouldn’t think it would cause a problem. Perhaps someone will come along with more advice.

If in any doubt, l always ask my Pharmacist . I have a brilliant pharmacist at my local chemist - better than my GP. ! You could always just phone and ask to speak to the pharmacist. I have done that on many occasions.

Chris.

[Normynoo in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Hi there, thanks for that, I'll give the pharmacy a try , ours is pretty good too!

[glosfrog]

Hi.

I am on anti coagulants (Blood thinners) and my Doc recommended Nizoral shampoo so guess it is ok.

Jo

[Normynoo in reply to glosfrog]

Thank you 😊

[ozziebob]

I looked at the interactions checker at drugs dot com, and while there was a major warning with oral Ketoconazole and apixaban (the example DOAC I chose) as follows ... Ketoconazole may significantly increase the blood levels of apixaban. This can increase the risk of serious or life-threatening bleeding complications ... no warnings were present for topical Ketoconazole.

[Normynoo in reply to ozziebob]

Hi , thanks for that 😊

[momist]

I had no idea that this might be a problem, and I've often used Nizoral shampoo while anti-coagulated with Apixaban. I generally use the shampoo for a couple of times in a week where I feel the need to stop the dandruff, and then it might be six months before I need to try it again. I've never noticed any side effect, but then I guess this is not "regular use".

[Normynoo in reply to momist]

From what others have said and from looking up some information it would seem that the problem is with oral anti fungals and not topical ones .I'm going to clarify with the pharmacist tomorrow so will post on here if there's any different information 😊