Precautions

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and check you for any problems or unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine.

Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.

If your skin problem does not improve within 2 weeks for cutaneous candidiasis, pityriasis versicolor, tinea corporis, or tinea cruris; or 4 weeks for seborrheic dermatitis; or 4 to 6 weeks for tinea pedis, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

Good health habits are also required for patients using the cream form of this medicine to help clear up your infection completely and to help make sure it does not return.

For patients using the cream for athlete's foot (tinea pedis; ringworm of the foot), the following instructions will help keep the feet cool and dry:

  • Avoid wearing socks made from wool or synthetic materials (e.g., rayon or nylon). Instead, wear clean, cotton socks and change them daily or more often if your feet sweat a lot.
  • Wear sandals or well-ventilated shoes (e.g., shoes with holes).
  • Use a bland, absorbent powder (e.g., talcum powder) or an antifungal powder between the toes, on the feet, and in socks and shoes one or two times a day. It is best to use the powder between the times you use the cream.
  • If you have any questions about these instructions, check with your doctor.

For patients using the cream for ringworm of the groin (tinea cruris; jock itch), the following instructions will help reduce chafing and irritation and will also help keep the groin area cool and dry:

  • Avoid wearing underwear that is tight-fitting or made from synthetic materials (e.g., rayon or nylon). Instead, wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear.
  • Use a bland, absorbent powder (e.g., talcum powder) or an antifungal powder on the skin. It is best to use the powder between the times you use ketoconazole cream.
  • If you have any questions about these instructions, check with your doctor.

The foam form of this medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; hoarseness; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you have the following symptoms while using the ketoconazole 2% shampoo: hair discoloration, abnormal hair texture, removal of the curl from permanently waved hair, hair loss, itching, burning sensation of the skin, or blistering, peeling, or redness of the skin.

Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you or your child have a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on the skin.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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