Description
Ketoconazole belongs to the family of medications called antifungals. It is used to treat fungal infections of the skin (ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch) and nails. It is also used to treat “sun fungus” (tinea versicolor, pityriasis versicolor).
The shampoo is used to treat and prevent conditions such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Ketoconazole works by preventing the fungus from making normal cell walls, thereby stopping fungal growth.
Ketoconazole shampoo: Apply 5 mL to 10 mL to the wet scalp, work into a lather, and leave on for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing with water. Take care to keep the shampoo out of the eyes and off the eyelids. If contact occurs, flush the eyes thoroughly with water. If using as a treatment, apply twice weekly for 2 to 4 weeks. If using as a preventative measure, apply once every 1 to 2 weeks. Ketoconazole should be used for the recommended duration of treatment, even if the symptoms seem to have disappeared. This will reduce the chance of the fungal infection returning.
