Topical Ketoconazole is used to treat fungal skin infections and seborrheic dermatitis. Learn how to use the medication, its common side effects, special precautions to watch out for, and more.

What is this medication for?

Topical Ketoconazole is used to treat fungal skin infections and seborrheic dermatitis. This medication mainly works by preventing the fungal cells from growing. It may come in many different brands and dosage forms such as cream, ointment and shampoo.

Ketoconazole shampoos are used to treat:

• Dandruff
• Seborrheic dermatitis (reddish brown patches with yellow or white scaling of skin which may be accompanied by itch)
• Pityriasis versicolor (small, brown or white-colored, irregular patches on the trunk)

How should I take or use this medication?

• Use this medication as recommended by your healthcare professional. Consult your healthcare professional if you are not sure how to use this medication correctly.
• Cream or ointment: Apply once to twice a day to the affected area for the recommended period depending on your condition. Apply to the area surrounding the infected area as well. 
• Continue applying for at least one more week after symptoms go away to make sure the fungal infection has completely cleared.
• Do not stop applying your medication without checking with your healthcare professional, as stopping too soon may cause the infection to come back.
• If you are applying another cream, lotion, gel or ointment onto the affected area, use topical Ketoconazole first, then wait for at least 15 minutes before applying them.
• Shampoo: Apply on the affected area for 3-5 minutes to ensure sufficient contact time before rinsing it off with water. They are applied either once a day, or one to two times a week depending on the condition. Please consult your healthcare professional for further instructions.
• Both the scalp and larger areas on the chest or face can be treated with the shampoo.
• Shampoo is not recommended for use in infants and children below the age of 12 years.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue normally. Do not apply two doses or extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

• Wash your hands well before and after handling this medication.
• If you are applying the medication to your hands, wash your hands before handling the medication but do not wash your hands after you have applied it.
• Inform your healthcare professional if:
  • You are allergic to this medication or any other ingredients in this medication.
  • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What are some common side effects of this medication?

Mild stinging, itching and redness may occur at the affected area. 

• These side effects are usually mild and go away after some time. However, if the symptoms are bothersome, do not go away or become worse, stop this medication and consult your healthcare professional.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Signs that your condition may require further medical attention include:

• Skin is blistered, broken, bleeding or raw
• Signs of fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes at your neck, under your chin, armpits or groin
• Fungal infection symptoms appear in the mouth, or around or on the reproductive organs
• Fungal infection symptoms that do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment
• Fungal infection symptoms that keep coming back after going away
• Fungal infection symptoms that worsen with or without treatment

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop this medication and see your doctor immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Check with your healthcare professional if other topical medications may be applied together with this medication.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

Discard this medication a year after opening unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer.

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimer

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on September 2024