Experiences with
Ketoconazole

ContraindicationsHow it's used (previously Dosage and administration)Side effectsInteractions

Ketoconazole is not suitable for some people. For example, check with your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Ketoconazole comes as a cream you use once or twice a day, or shampoo that you usually use twice a week. Follow the instructions in the leaflet.

Common side effects of ketoconazole include itching, a burning feeling or inflamed skin.

It can cause problems to use ketoconazole with some other medicines, such as steroid creams. Check with a pharmacist or doctor.

Who can use ketoconazole

Most adults and children aged 12 years or over can use ketoconazole shampoos.

Ketoconazole creams can be used by most adults aged 18 years or over.

Who may not be able to use ketoconazole

Ketoconazole is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have ever had an allergic reaction to ketoconazole or any other medicine.

How often to use ketoconazole

How often you use ketoconazole cream or shampoo varies depending on why you're using it.

How often to use cream for athlete's foot, jock itch and sweat rash

Use the cream once or twice a day on the infected skin and surrounding area. For athlete's foot, you need to use it twice a day regularly.

Carry on using the cream for 3 days after your symptoms have cleared up. This will help to stop the infection coming back.

How often to use shampoo or cream for seborrhoeic dermatitis

Use the shampoo twice a week for 2 to 4 weeks until your symptoms have cleared up. Then use it once every 1 to 2 weeks to stop them coming back.

Alternatively, you can use the cream once or twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks. Then use the shampoo once every 1 to 2 weeks to stop your symptoms coming back.

How often to use shampoo for dandruff

Use the shampoo twice a week for 2 to 4 weeks. Then use it once every 1 to 2 weeks to stop your dandruff coming back.

How often to use shampoo or cream for pityriasis versicolor

Use the shampoo once a day for up to 5 days.

For treating small areas of skin, you can use the cream instead. Put the cream on once or twice a day for 2 to 3 weeks.

If your symptoms tend to return in sunlight, use the shampoo once a day for up to 3 days before going out in the sun.

Common side effects of ketoconazole

You're unlikely to have side effects with ketoconazole shampoo if you use the right amount.

With ketoconazole cream, common side effects happen in more than 1 in 100 people. They usually affect your skin where you've applied the cream.

You may have itching, a burning feeling or redness on your skin, although redness may be less obvious on brown or black skin.

If any of these happen, try using less cream. Apply it carefully, just to the area you need to treat. Rub it in gently. Try wearing loose clothing to reduce sweat.

If the itching, redness or burning feeling is no better after a few days, or if it gets worse at any time, stop using the cream and speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

Also speak to them if a side effect spreads beyond the area of skin you've treated.

Ketoconazole and pregnancy

You can use ketoconazole cream or shampoo if you're pregnant.

Only tiny amounts are absorbed into your body so it will not affect your baby.

Ketoconazole and breastfeeding

It's OK to use ketoconazole cream or shampoo if you're breastfeeding. It's very unlikely that any will get into your breast milk.

If you're using ketoconazole cream for thrush (candida) of the breast, your baby will also need to be treated at the same time with their own medicine.

Take care that your baby does not touch any areas of your body where you've used ketoconazole. Wash your hands after you've used it and before picking up your baby. When using it on your breasts or nipples, wash it off before feeding your baby. It's important that your baby does not swallow any ketoconazole cream.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your midwife, health visitor or doctor as soon as possible.

Cautions with other medicines

Only tiny amounts of ketoconazole are absorbed into your body when you use it as a cream or shampoo. You can usually use ketoconazole skin treatments while taking most medicines.

Using ketoconazole with other skin treatments

If you're using a mild steroid cream (such as hydrocortisone) to help with swelling or inflammation caused by the skin infection, put the steroid cream on in the morning and the put the ketoconazole cream on in the evening.

If you're using ketoconazole twice a day, make sure you wait at least 30 minutes after putting it on before using the steroid cream.