Nizoral cream contains the active ingredient ketoconazole, which is a type of medicine called an antifungal. It is used to treat infections with fungi and yeasts. Ketoconazole kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disruption in production of ergosterol causes holes to appear in the fungal cell membrane. The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As ketoconazole causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and clears up the infection. Ketoconazole cream may be prescribed to treat a number of different types of fungal and yeast infections. These include ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch, thrush infections of the skin and vagina (candidosis), and skin conditions that are caused by infection with the yeast Pityrosporum (Malassezia), such as seborrheic dermatitis and pityriasis versicolor.

Wash and dry the affected areas of skin thoroughly before applying the cream. To treat athletes foot, the cream should be gently rubbed into the affected areas twice a day, usually for a week for mild cases. More severe or extensive cases may take longer to clear up. You should keep using the cream twice a day for a few days after all the symptoms have cleared up to make sure the infection is fully treated and prevent it coming back. To treat other skin infections the cream should be rubbed gently into the affected areas of skin once or twice a day, as directed by your doctor. The length of treatment will depend on the type and severity of the infection. You should keep using the cream for a few days after your symptoms have gone away, to make sure the infection has been fully treated. If there is no improvement in your symptoms after four weeks of treatment you should consult your doctor for advice. Unless the infected skin is on your hands, wash your hands with soap and water after applying the cream to avoid spreading the infection to other areas of the body, or to other people.

This cream is for external use on the skin only. It should not be used inside the mouth, nose or eyes. Take care to avoid getting the cream in the eyes. If you accidentally get it in the eyes, rinse it out straight away with plenty of water. It is important to keep using this cream for three or four days after the symptoms of the infection have cleared up. This is to make sure that the infection is fully treated and thus prevent it coming back. If the infection has not cleared up after four weeks of treatment you should consult your doctor.

People with known sensitivity or allergy to any of the ingredients. This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age. This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect. Common (affect between 1 and 10 out of every 100 people) Burning sensation. Redness or itching at the application site. Uncommon (affect between 1 and 10 out of every 1000 people) Rash. Allergic inflammation of the skin (contact dermatitis). Skin peeling or blistering. Sticky skin. Reactions such as skin irritation, discomfort, bleeding, tingling or dryness at the application site. The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

This medicine is not absorbed into the bloodstream and does not affect other medicines. However, you should avoid applying other medicines, moisturisers or cosmetics to the same area of skin for about half an hour after applying Nizoral cream, to avoid the products mixing on the skin and diluting the antifungal. If you have been using a topical corticosteroid on your skin you should talk to your doctor about whether to continue this while you are using Nizoral cream.

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose symptoms are unknown. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Store your medicines at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C). Store away from moisture and light. Do not use after expiration term.

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.