Ketoconazole is an antifungal drug developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved on 25 April 2000 for treating fungal skin infections.

Ketoconazole  is used to treat a variety of fungal skin infections, including ringworm, athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and other dermatophyte infections. This soap is designed for topical use and is applied directly to the affected skin. 

Use the Ketoconazole as directed by your physician or the instructions provided on the product packaging. Before applying the soap, wet the affected skin and the surrounding area with warm water. Gently massage it into the skin for about 1-2 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water. Avoid contact with eyes.

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Ketoconazole are burning, irritation, dry skin, itching, and redness. Some serious side effects include skin peeling and blistering.

Some individuals may experience skin irritation, redness, or itching when using soap. If you notice any signs of irritation, discontinue use and consult your physician. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your physician before using Ketoconazole. Although it is a topical medication and the systemic absorption is low, discussing risks and benefits with a doctor is essential.

Do not use this drug if you have a known allergy or sensitivity to it or any components in the medication. Ketoconazole is intended for topical use on the skin affected by fungal infections and should not be applied to mucous membranes (e.g., mouth and nostrils), ears, or eyes. Contact with these sensitive areas can lead to irritation or adverse reactions. If accidental contact occurs, thoroughly rinse the affected area with water.

Before applying Ketoconazole, gently clean the affected skin area with mild soap and water. Ensure that the skin is thoroughly dry before applying the medication. Do not apply more or less than the recommended amount, and continue using the medication for the entire prescribed duration, even if you start to feel better before the treatment is complete. Fungal infections can recur if not fully treated.

1. Hadeer Sinawe, Damian Casadesus; Ketoconazole; Jackson Memorial Hospital; Published on 29/06/2021; [Accessed on 7th Sep 2023], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559221/
2. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Antifungal agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1588.
3. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antifungal drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 792 - 793.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.