How To Use Ketoconazole

Apply ketoconazole shampoo to wet hair and scalp and leave it in for 5 minutes before rinsing. One application is usually enough to treat tinea versicolor. For dandruff, you may need to repeat the use of ketoconazole shampoo 3-4 times a week for 8 weeks. Ketoconazole cream, gel, and foam should be applied to the skin 1-2 times daily for 2-4 weeks as directed by your healthcare professional to treat seborrheic dermatitis.

Read the prescription label or package instructions carefully and use ketoconazole as instructed. Do not use more or less of this medication.

One treatment with prescription ketoconazole shampoo is usually successful in treating tinea versicolor infection. You should know, however, that the affected skin, which lightens or darkens with pityriasis, can take several months to return to normal color, especially if the skin is exposed to sunlight. Also, these skin infections can return even after treatment. 

If you are using over-the-counter ketoconazole shampoo to treat dandruff or prescription ketoconazole cream, gel, or foam to treat seborrheic dermatitis, your symptoms should improve in 2-4 weeks. Call your doctor for medical advice if you don’t notice any improvement or if your symptoms get worse during treatment for a yeast infection. 

Continue using ketoconazole for as long as your doctor tells you, even if you no longer have symptoms. Stopping ketoconazole treatment too soon can lead to incomplete treatment of a fungal infection and a return of symptoms.

Use the topical formulations of ketoconazole only on areas of your skin and scalp affected by fungal infections. Do not allow ketoconazole topical to get into your eyes or mouth or other mucous membranes. If ketoconazole shampoo gets into your eyes, wash them thoroughly with water.

Missed dose: If you forget to apply ketoconazole, do it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next application, skip the missed dose and apply the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply more medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store ketoconazole at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in a tightly closed container that it came in. Do not store medications in the bathroom, where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused or expired ketoconazole topical should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw ketoconazole in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded ketoconazole is through your local waste disposal company or a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on ketoconazole. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about ketoconazole, talk to your healthcare professionals for medical advice.

Discounted prices for ketoconazole (Nizoral / Xolegel / Extina)
 start at $31.91.

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