Ketodan

Ketodan (for the skin) is an antifungal medicine that treats infections like athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and seborrhea (dry, flaking skin or dandruff).

Ketodan is also used to treat a fungal infection called pityriasis, which causes scaly, discolored patches on the skin of the neck, chest, arms, or legs.

Ketodan may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform all your healthcare providers about your medical conditions, allergies, and any medicines you are using.

You should not use Ketodan if you are allergic to ketoconazole.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

• asthma or a sulfite allergy;
• an allergic reaction to an antifungal medicine, such as clotrimazole, econazole, or miconazole.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using Ketodan.

Always follow the directions on the medicine label when using this medicine on a child.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ketodan may cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor right away if you experience:

• burning, stinging, or severe irritation after using Ketodan;
• redness, pain, or oozing from the treated skin; or
• shortness of breath.

Common side effects of Ketodan may include:

• thinning hair;
• changes in the color or texture of your hair;
• dry skin; or
• mild itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Using more of this medicine or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and may increase side effects.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds or irritated skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.

Clean and dry the skin before applying ketoconazole cream, foam, or gel.

This medicine may be flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame, or while smoking. Avoid heat or smoking until the medicine has completely dried on your skin.

Ketoconazole shampoo is not for daily use. Allow at least 3 days to pass between uses.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not begin to improve after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment, or if your condition gets worse.

Store Ketodan at room temperature. Protect from light and do not refrigerate or freeze.

Use the medicine as soon as possible, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

An overdose of Ketodan is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Do not get Ketodan in your eyes. If contact does happen, rinse with water.

Avoid covering treated skin areas with tight-fitting, synthetic clothing (like nylon or polyester) that doesn't let air circulate to your skin. If you are treating your feet, wear clean cotton socks and sandals or shoes that allow for air circulation. Keep your feet as dry as possible.

You may need to avoid sunlight if you are treating pityriasis. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with Ketodan unless your doctor instructs you to.

Medicine applied to the skin is not likely to be influenced by other medications you take. However, many medications can interact with one another. Inform all your healthcare providers about all the medicines you are using, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.