Despite the difficult name, ketoconazole is simply an antifungal preparation. However, this is not such an ordinary drug as you might think! Its most important advantage is a very wide range of action, because it fights many species of fungi. It will therefore be an excellent means in the treatment of various types of mycosis, but this is not the only one of its uses.
Ketoconazole is mainly used to treat fungal infections of the skin, mucous membranes, nails and hair. In addition, it is often used as a backup drug in the treatment of systemic fungal infections and in the prevention of infection in immunocompromised patients. Its action is based primarily on inhibiting the development of the compound necessary for the formation of the fungus. It works on such types of fungi as:
- yeast,
- dimorphic mushrooms,
- Dermatofity
- Inside.
It is produced artificially. It is most often used in the form of shampoo, cream or oral tablets. Many well-known brands of antifungal products contain it in their composition.
Wide application of ketoconazole
We find it in a large number of drugs that help fight very diverse diseases such as:
- Inflammation of follicle,
- mycosis proper,
- Systemic infections, i.e. histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis,
- scalp dandruff,
- tinea versicolor,
- Chronic candidal inflammation of the mucous membranes and skin,
- periungual inflammation,
- Chronic, recurrent vaginal candidiasis,
- In antifungal prophylaxis in people with reduced immunity, i.e. cancer patients, AIDS patients, suffering from severe burns,
- Yeast infections of the mouth and digestive tract,
- Seborrheic dermatitis.
Who can’t use it?
This drug should not be used in children under 2 years of age, pregnant women and nursing mothers, people with liver disease, people who are hypersensitive or allergic to any of the ingredients of the preparation. In addition, it should be remembered that when taking coteconazole orally, alcohol cannot be consumed, because then we run the risk of permanent liver damage.
Does it have side effects?
Unfortunately, as a drug with such a wide range of action, it is not indifferent to our body. Before starting the treatment, you should check the condition of your liver, as it can be destructive, especially in the case of women over 50 who use the drug for a long time (14 or more days). In addition, side effects include chills, fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, skin itching, dark urine, pale stool, abdominal pain, libido disorders.