Description:

Ketazol Cream (by Shalina) is a topical antifungal medication containing ketoconazole 2% w/w. It is used to treat various superficial fungal infections of the skin, including ringworm (tinea corporis), jock itch (tinea cruris), athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), pityriasis (tinea) versicolor (a fungal skin discoloration condition), cutaneous candidiasis (yeast infections of the skin), and seborrheic dermatitis (scaly, itchy skin on the scalp or face). It works by inhibiting fungal cell membrane synthesis (ergosterol production), leading to fungal cell death and resolution of infection.

Prescription:

Prescription-only in many regulated markets, but commonly sold over-the-counter (OTC) in Ghana for short-term use in uncomplicated skin fungal infections. Available freely in pharmacies. Consult a doctor or pharmacist for proper diagnosis (to rule out bacterial, viral, or allergic causes), especially for widespread, recurrent, or facial/genital infections, or if symptoms persist after 2 weeks.

Therapeutic Category:

Topical Azole Antifungal (Imidazole antifungal for dermatophyte and yeast skin infections.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Ketoconazole USP – 2% w/w (20 mg per gram). Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Purified water, propylene glycol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, sorbitan monostearate, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, sodium sulfite (anhydrous), and preservatives. The cream is white to off-white, smooth, and odorless or mildly scented.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Ketazol Cream (standard 2% strength; common sizes 15g or 30g tube). Related variants: Ketazol in larger tubes (e.g., 60g), Ketazol Shampoo (for scalp fungal infections/dandruff), or combination products (e.g., Ketazol with steroid in some markets). The 30g tube is the most common size.

Consume Type:

Topical – Cream (applied externally to skin; not for oral, ophthalmic, or internal use).

Directions/Usage: Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a thin layer to the infected skin and surrounding area once daily (for most infections) or twice daily (for seborrheic dermatitis or severe cases).

• Rub gently until absorbed.
• Duration:
  • Tinea corporis/cruris/pedis: 2–6 weeks.
  • Pityriasis versicolor: 2–4 weeks.
  • Cutaneous candidiasis: 2 weeks.
  • Seborrheic dermatitis: 2–4 weeks.
• Continue treatment for full duration even if symptoms improve to prevent recurrence.
• Wash hands after application. Avoid eyes, mouth, or open wounds.

Common Side Effects: Common (mild/local):

• Burning, stinging, itching, or irritation at application site.
• Redness or dryness of skin.
• Rare: Contact dermatitis (severe rash), allergic reactions (swelling, rash). Systemic absorption is minimal with topical use.

Package Type:

Aluminium or laminated plastic tube of 15g or 30g (screw cap; often in individual carton with patient leaflet and instructions).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep tightly closed. Do not freeze. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• For external use only; avoid eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes.
• Contraindicated if allergic to ketoconazole, other azoles, or ingredients.
• Caution in pregnancy (Category C; use only if benefits outweigh risks), breastfeeding (minimal absorption), children (safe but consult doctor), or large areas/long-term use (rare systemic effects).
• If severe irritation, rash, swelling, or no improvement after 2–4 weeks, stop use and seek medical care (possible resistant infection or misdiagnosis).
• Do not use for viral/bacterial skin infections or acne (may worsen).
• Keep out of reach of children.

Product Substitutes: Similar ketoconazole 2% creams in Ghana include:

• Generic ketoconazole 2% cream (various importers).
• Nizoral Cream (original brand by Janssen if stocked).
• Daktarin Cream (miconazole 2%; similar azole antifungal).
• Canesten Cream (clotrimazole 1%; for Candida/ringworm). Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Shalina Laboratories Pvt Ltd (India-based; primary manufacturer of Ketazol cream). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by Shalina Healthcare or local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked at outlets like Scab Pharmacy, Vafy Pharmacy).

Country of Origin:

India (manufactured by Shalina Laboratories Pvt Ltd; imported to Ghana and widely available in local pharmacies).