How do you take Ketoconazole?

For tablets: Take one 200mg tablet once daily with food, as eating helps your body absorb it better. For serious infections, your doctor may increase to two tablets (400mg) daily. For cream: Apply a thin layer to the affected area once or twice daily and rub in gently. Treatment usually lasts 2 to 6 weeks depending on the infection, so do not stop early even if it looks better.

What are the side effects of Ketoconazole?

Nausea or upset stomach, headache, stomach pain or bloating, itching or irritation at the site where cream is applied, dizziness

Who should not take Ketoconazole?

People with liver disease or a history of liver problems, anyone allergic to ketoconazole or similar antifungal drugs, pregnant or breastfeeding women (for the tablet form), people taking certain heart medications like cisapride or terfenadine, and people with very low stomach acid unless directed by a doctor.

Prescription

Antifungal

Ketoconazole

Q: What is Ketoconazole used for?

Skin fungal infections (ringworm), jock itch (crotch area fungus), athlete's foot, dandruff and flaky scalp, yeast infections on the skin, fungal infections in the mouth (oral thrush), serious internal fungal infections

Last reviewed July 2026

Who is this for?

For adults (18+). Standard adult dosing applies: see the How to Take tab for full instructions.

What is this drug?

Ketoconazole is an antifungal medicine that works by killing fungi and yeast that cause infections on your skin or inside your body. It stops the fungus from growing by damaging its protective outer layer.

How it works

Inhibits fungal cytochrome P450 14α-demethylase (lanosterol 14α-demethylase), disrupting ergosterol synthesis in the fungal cell membrane and causing membrane dysfunction and cell death.

What is it used for?

Skin fungal infections (ringworm)jock itch (crotch area fungus)athlete's footdandruff and flaky scalpyeast infections on the skinfungal infections in the mouth (oral thrush)serious internal fungal infections

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Fungal Infections Skin Infections Fungal Skin Infections

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You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

Buy only from reputable pharmacies, as many fake antifungal creams are sold by roadside vendors in Nigeria and may not contain the right amount of medicine. Complete the full course of treatment even if the infection looks healed, as stopping early can cause the fungus to come back stronger. If you are taking the tablets, your doctor should check your liver function regularly, so report any unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, or yellowing of eyes immediately.

Common Side Effects

Nausea or upset stomach
headache
stomach pain or bloating
itching or irritation at the site where cream is applied
dizziness

Serious Side Effects

Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice) may mean liver damage; stop the drug and see a doctor immediately. Severe skin rash
swelling of the face or difficulty breathing could be a dangerous allergic reaction. Unusually dark urine or pale stool is another sign of liver problems that needs urgent attention.

Drug Interactions

Do not take ketoconazole with alcohol, as it increases the risk of liver damage and can make you feel very sick. Avoid taking it with antacids or ulcer drugs like omeprazole, as they reduce how well ketoconazole works; take ketoconazole at least 2 hours before these drugs. It can dangerously interact with some heart and cholesterol medicines, so tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other drugs you are taking.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Ketoconazole tablets are NOT safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding as they can harm the baby, though the cream may be used with caution, but always consult your doctor first.

Who Should NOT Take This

People with liver disease or a history of liver problems
anyone allergic to ketoconazole or similar antifungal drugs
pregnant or breastfeeding women (for the tablet form)
people taking certain heart medications like cisapride or terfenadine
and people with very low stomach acid unless directed by a doctor.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid storing near windows or in cars. Keep the cream tube tightly closed after use. Always keep out of reach of children.

For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.