What is ketoconazole used to treat?
1. Ketoconazole cream is suitable for the treatment of various skin infections, mainly for common fungal infections. Since it is for external use, the treatment range is superficial fungal infections of the skin, such as tinea manuum, tinea pedis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea versicolor, and cutaneous candidiasis.
Ketoconazole is very effective against Malassezia, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of about 0.02-0.5 mg/mL.
Shampoo containing ketoconazole is an over-the-counter drug in some countries. Ketoconazole is usually used in shampoos at a concentration of 0.25~2%.
Ketoconazole works by inhibiting the biosynthesis of ergosterol. It inhibits the Cyp-450 enzyme responsible for converting lanosterol to ergosterol. Inhibiting ergosterol synthesis will damage the fungal cell membrane and increase permeability.
2. Ketoconazole suppositories is used to treat vaginal candidiasis.
3. Ketoconazole lotion is used to treat and control dandruff and its associated scaling, scaling, and itching.
In addition to its antifungal properties, it also has anti-inflammatory activity and may block the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a key hormone in androgenetic alopecia.
Topical ketoconazole has been shown to stimulate hair growth in mice by shifting hair follicles from the telogen (shedding) phase to the anagen (growth) phase. Another study in mice showed that topical ketoconazole increased the average diameter and number of hair follicles as early as 21 days after application.
What is the danger of ketoconazole?
Do not use on broken skin.
Do not use on large areas.
Avoid contact with eyes and mouth
Be careful when using ketoconazole lotion to avoid getting the lotion into your eyes or mouth. If you accidentally come into contact with it, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
Possible side effects
In general, ketoconazole lotion is generally safe, but it may cause skin irritation, itching, or burning. If severe discomfort or allergic reaction occurs, stop using it and consult a doctor.
If there is a burning sensation, redness, swelling, etc. at the medication site, stop taking the medication and wash the local medication off.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult your doctor before using ketoconazole lotion.
Interaction with other drugs
Before using ketoconazole lotion, you should tell your doctor about other drugs you are using to avoid possible interactions.
Reference
【1】Phillips RM, Rosen T (2013). "Topical Antifungal Agents". In Wolverton SE. Comprehensive Dermatologic Therapy (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: Saunders. pp. 460–472.
【2】"European Medicines Agency recommends suspension of marketing authorisations for oral ketoconazole". Press Release. European Medicines Agency. 2013-07-26.
