Nizoral Cream: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Nizoral Cream (Ketoconazole) Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Nizoral Cream? (Nizoral Cream kya hai)

Nizoral Cream (Ketoconazole 2%) is a topical antifungal medicine widely used in Pakistan for fungal skin infections. It is an imidazole-class antifungal agent that damages the fungal cell membrane and stops its growth. It is effective against common problems such as ringworm, tinea versicolor, and athlete's foot.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

• Tinea versicolor
• Ringworm (daad)
• Athlete's foot
• Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff on skin)
• Fungal skin infections

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko leni chahiye)

• Those with a fungal skin infection — ringworm, tinea versicolor, or athlete's foot
• Those with itching or patches on the skin that are fungal in nature
• Patients with seborrheic dermatitis (itchy, flaky skin with heavy dandruff, most often on the face and scalp)
• On a doctor's recommendation, in any age group

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

• If allergic to ketoconazole or any imidazole antifungal
• On broken or severely inflamed skin without medical advice
• Near the eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes
• Over a large area during pregnancy without a doctor's guidance

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

• Apply a thin layer to the affected area once or twice daily

• As directed by your doctor

• Usually 2–4 weeks, or as long as the doctor advises. Finish the full course even after the skin looks and feels normal — the fungus is usually still present after the visible rash clears, and stopping at that point is the most common reason it comes back

• Apply as soon as remembered. If the next application time is close, skip the missed one. Avoid applying double the amount at once.

7. How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

• Wash hands thoroughly before application

• Apply a thin layer to the affected area and rub in gently

• Always wash hands after application

• Apply cream to skin only — do not ingest

8. Best Time (Kab leni chahiye)

• As directed by your doctor — once or twice daily

• Applying at the same time each day is more effective

9. External Use — Not Applicable for Food Timing

Ketoconazole cream is a topical medicine — it is not taken orally. The question of empty stomach or after food does not apply. It has no relation to diet.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

• If allergic to ketoconazole or imidazole antifungals
• Keep out of the eyes — if contact occurs, rinse immediately with water
• For external use only
• Avoid if allergic to ketoconazole or any imidazole antifungal
• For external use only — avoid eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes
• Do not use on broken or severely inflamed skin without medical advice

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

• Store below 30°C
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat
• Keep out of the reach of children

• Topical use is generally low-risk; consult a doctor for extensive use
• Do not apply to the nipple area while breastfeeding

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

• Burning sensation — at application site
• Itching
• Dryness
• Mild redness

• Severe contact dermatitis (allergic reaction) — discontinue use and see a doctor

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

Topical ketoconazole has very low systemic absorption, so significant interactions with common medicines are not expected. However, inform your doctor if you are using any other skin treatments.

Do not apply a topical steroid cream (or a combination product containing one) to the same area unless your doctor has specifically told you to. A steroid calms the redness and itch, so the rash stops looking like a fungal infection while the fungus keeps spreading underneath. This altered, hard-to-recognise rash is a well-known trap for both patients and doctors, and it makes the infection harder to diagnose and slower to treat.

14. When to See Doctor (Kab doctor ke paas jayein)

• If the infection has not healed after 2–4 weeks
• Severe allergic reaction — severe redness, swelling, blistering
• If the infection is spreading or worsening
• If accompanied by fever

15. Alternatives (Sasti Dusri Dawaein)

All of the above are creams applied to the skin, like ketoconazole itself. Oral antifungal tablets are deliberately not listed here: they are not swap-in substitutes for a topical cream. They are a different treatment decision with different risks, and only a doctor can judge whether a skin infection needs one.

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

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17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: Ketoconazole cream kis kaam aati hai?

A: Ketoconazole cream is used for fungal skin infections — such as ringworm (daad), athlete's foot, tinea versicolor, and other fungal skin conditions. It is an antifungal cream that eliminates fungus.

Q: Ketoconazole cream ke side effects kya hain?

A: Common side effects include burning, itching, and dryness at the application site. These are generally mild. If a severe reaction or allergic symptoms occur, see a doctor immediately.

Q: Ketoconazole cream kaise lagayen?

A: After washing your hands, apply a thin layer to the affected area — once or twice daily. Do not apply near the eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes. Always wash your hands after application.

Q: Ketoconazole cream price in Pakistan kya hai?

A: Price in Pakistan varies by pharmacy and city. Confirm the updated price with your local pharmacy or an online pharmacy.

Q: Is ketoconazole cream safe in pregnancy?

A: Topical ketoconazole is generally considered low-risk in pregnancy, but consult your doctor before extensive or prolonged use. Avoid self-medication.

18. Medical Review (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.