Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause unwanted side effects or skin irritation.

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes, or burns. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away with water.

For patients using the cream:

  • Apply enough cream to cover the affected and surrounding skin areas, and rub in gently.
  • To help clear up your infection completely, it is very important that you keep using the cream for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. Since fungus or yeast infections may be very slow to clear up, you may have to continue using this medicine every day for up to several weeks. If you stop using this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return. Do not miss any doses.

For patients using the foam:

  • Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
  • Do not spray the foam directly on your hand because it will begin to melt as soon as it touches your skin. Instead, spray the foam into the cap of the medicine can or other cool surface. Then dip your fingertips into the foam to pick up small amounts of the medicine, and apply to the affected skin areas. Gently massage the foam into your skin until it disappears.
  • If you are treating skin areas with hair, such as your scalp, move any hair away so the foam can be applied directly to the affected skin.
  • This medicine is flammable. Do not use it near heat, an open flame, or while smoking. Do not puncture, break, or burn the medicine can.

For patients using the gel:

  • Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
  • Apply enough ketoconazole gel to cover the affected and surrounding skin areas, and rub in gently with your fingertips.
  • After applying this medicine, do not wash the affected area for at least 3 hours.
  • Cosmetics (makeup or sunscreens) may be used on the treated skin areas no sooner than 20 minutes after this medicine is applied.
  • This medicine may be flammable. Do not use it near heat, an open flame, or while smoking.

For patients using the 1% shampoo:

  • Wet your hair and scalp well with water.
  • Apply enough shampoo to work up a good lather and gently massage it over your entire scalp.
  • Rinse your hair and scalp with warm water.
  • Repeat application.
  • Rinse your hair and scalp well with warm water, and dry your hair.

For patients using the 2% shampoo:

  • Wet your hair and scalp well with water.
  • Apply the shampoo to the skin of the affected area and a wide margin surrounding this area.
  • Work up a good lather and leave it in place for 5 minutes.
  • Rinse your hair and scalp well with warm water, and dry your hair.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For cream dosage form:
    • For cutaneous candidiasis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea pedis, or pityriasis versicolor:
      • Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin and the surrounding area once a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For seborrheic dermatitis:
      • Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin and the surrounding area two times per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For foam dosage form:
    • For seborrheic dermatitis:
      • Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin and the surrounding area two times per day for 4 weeks.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For gel dosage form:
    • For seborrheic dermatitis:
      • Adults, teenagers, and children 12 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area of the skin and the surrounding area once a day for 2 weeks.
      • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For 1% shampoo dosage form:
    • For dandruff:
      • Adults—Use every 3 or 4 days for up to 8 weeks. Then use only as needed to keep dandruff under control.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For 2% shampoo dosage form:
    • For pityriasis versicolor:
      • Adults—Use once.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.