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Topical ketoconazole is an azole antifungal used in several skin and scalp formulations. Current U.S. products include 2 percent cream, 2 percent foam, prescription 2 percent shampoo, and nonprescription 1 percent dandruff shampoo. Indications and directions differ by formulation.
read more about topical ketoconazole ...Ketoconazole inhibits fungal lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase and disrupts ergosterol synthesis. This alters fungal cell membrane structure and interferes with growth of susceptible yeasts and dermatophytes.
Ketoconazole cream 2 percent treats selected tinea infections, cutaneous candidiasis, tinea versicolor, and seborrheic dermatitis. Ketoconazole foam 2 percent treats seborrheic dermatitis in immunocompetent patients age 12 and older. Prescription ketoconazole shampoo 2 percent is labeled for tinea versicolor, while nonprescription 1 percent shampoo is used for dandruff under its label.
Directions depend on the formulation and condition. Foam 2 percent is applied twice daily for four weeks. Prescription shampoo 2 percent is applied to damp affected skin and surrounding skin, left in place for five minutes, and rinsed off, with one application listed in current labeling for tinea versicolor. Cream dosing follows the condition-specific schedule.
Topical ketoconazole can cause burning, itching, irritation, dryness, contact dermatitis, or hypersensitivity. Foam is flammable, so fire, flame, and smoking are avoided during and immediately after application. Topical formulations are not used in the eyes, mouth, or vagina unless a specific product label states otherwise.
Current products include cream, foam, prescription shampoo, and nonprescription dandruff shampoo.
It treats seborrheic dermatitis in immunocompetent patients age 12 and older.
Current prescription labeling includes tinea versicolor.
No. Topical products act mainly at treated skin or scalp areas and have different indications and safety instructions from oral tablets.
Efficacy and Safety of a New Once-Daily Topical Ketoconazole 2% Gel in the Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Phase III Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16865870/. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.
Ketoconazole Foam 2% Prescribing Information. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=ac98307e-315a-4fbd-81cb-cd936f2bfbae&type=display. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.
Ketoconazole Shampoo 2% Prescribing Information. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d59df5bf-bfa6-45fa-81f6-8c8ee2f24cf8. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.
Ketoconazole Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605014.html. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.
Treatment of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis With Ketoconazole: II. Response of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis of the Face, Scalp and Trunk to Topical Ketoconazole. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2950915/. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.