Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication, which is available as tablets, cream or shampoo, and is effective against skin infections, oral candidiasis, vaginal and seborrheic dermatitis.
This active substance is available in generic or under the trade names Nizoral, Candoral, Lozan or Cetonax, for example, and should only be used for a recommended period of time and can be purchased from pharmacies at a price that may vary from 3 to 58 reais, depending on the pharmaceutical form and the size of the package. See the precautions you should take when buying medicines online.
What is it for
Ketoconazole tablet can be used to treat problems such as vaginal candidiasis, oral candidiasis, seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff or ringworm of the skin.
In addition, for skin mycoses such as cutaneous candidiasis, Tinea corporis, Tinea cruris, athlete's foot and white cloth, for example, ketoconazole cream is recommended and in the case of white cloth, seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, it may be used the ketoconazole in shampoo.
How to use
1. Tablets
Ketoconazole tablets should be taken with a meal. Generally, the recommended dose is 1 tablet of 200 mg once daily and in some cases, when the clinical response is insufficient for the 200 mg dose, it may be increased by the physician to 2 tablets per day.
In the case of children over 2 years of age, it should also be taken with the meal, and the dose varies with the weight:
- Children weighing 15 to 30 kg: The recommended dose is 100 mg Ketoconazole (half the tablet) in a single dose.
- Children weighing more than 30 kg: The recommended dose is 200 mg ketoconazole (whole tablet) in a single dose. In some cases, your doctor may recommend increasing this dose to 400 mg.
2. Cream
The cream should be applied once a day, and hygiene measures must also be practiced to assist in the control of contamination and reinfection factors. The results are observed after 4 weeks of treatment.
3. Shampoo
The ketoconazole shampoo should be applied to the scalp, letting it act for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing, and in the case of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff 1 application is indicated, twice a week for 2 to 4 weeks.
Possible side effects
The side effects vary with the form of use, and in the oral case can cause vomiting, nausea, tummy ache, headache and diarrhea. In the case of the cream it can occur itching, local irritation and pricking sensation and in the case of shampoo, it can cause hair loss, irritation, change in hair texture, itching, dry skin or oiliness and wounds on the scalp.
Who should not use
Ketoconazole should not be used in people who are hypersensitive to any of the components of the formula.
In addition, tablets should not be used in people with acute or chronic liver disease, pregnant women, or breastfeeding women without medical advice.
