Ketoconazole 200 mg

Category- Allopathy

About Ketoconazole 200 mg

Ketoconazole 200 mg tablet is an antifungal medicine used to treat various fungal infections of the skin and other parts of the body, such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch, and yeast infections. Ketoconazole 200 mg helps stop the growth of fungi and relieves symptoms like itching, redness, inflammation, flaking, and discomfort. Ketoconazole 200 mg may also be prescribed for conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and severe dandruff when caused by fungal growth. Some people may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, or dizziness, while rare effects may include skin rash or signs of liver problems.  

Ketoconazole 200 mg should not be used by people who are allergic to ketoconazole, those with liver disease, or individuals taking certain interacting medicines unless advised by a doctor. It is usually recommended to take the tablet after food, avoid alcohol during treatment, and always use it exactly as prescribed by a doctor for safe and effective results. 

Medicine Highlights

Ketoconazole 200 mg Uses 

Ketoconazole 200 mg is useful for the following: 

1. Fungal infection of the skin (ring worm, athlete’s foot) 
2. Reduce the symptoms of itching, redness, inflammation, flaking and discomfort due to fungal growth 
3. Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff affecting skin folds, chest and back 

Directions for use

1. Take Ketoconazole 200 mg exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking Ketoconazole 200 mg without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take Ketoconazole 200 mg, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. 

Ketoconazole 200 mg side effects

More Common

1. Nausea 
2. Vomiting 
3. Stomach pain 
4. Diarrhea 
5. Headache 
6. Dizziness      

Less common 

1. Skin rash or itching 
2. Loss of appetite 
3. Yellowing of skin or eyes (liver problems) 
4. Dark urine 
5. Severe allergic reactions such as swelling or difficulty breathing    

How Ketoconazole 200 mg works

Ketoconazole 200 mg works by damaging the outer cover of the fungus which stops it from growing and spreading. As the fungus dies, symptoms like itching, flaking, and redness slowly get better.  

Safety Measures and Warning 

Allergy/Hypercreativity

Anyone who has had a skin rash, itching, swelling, or allergic reaction after taking ketoconazole or should avoid using this medicine and inform their doctor. 

Severe Liver Disease

People with liver problems or a history of liver disease should avoid using this medicine, as it may worsen liver function.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women should avoid using this medicine unless it is clearly recommended by a doctor.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers should consult a doctor before using this medicine, as the medicine may pass into breast milk and affect the baby.

Ketoconazole 200 mg Interaction with other Medicines

Avoid taking Ketoconazole 200 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:

Ketoconazole 200 mg Interaction with Food Products

Ketoconazole 200 mg tablets are usually recommended to be taken with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset. It is also advisable to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, as it may increase the risk of liver-related side effects. If you have any concerns about diet while taking this medication, consult your doctor. 

Storage   

1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature.  
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture.
3. Keep away from the reach of children. 

Ketoconazole 200 mg Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name

Ketoconazole: 1-[4-[4-[[(2R,4S)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(1H-imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl]methoxy]phenyl]piperazin-1-yl]ethanone 

Intake routine/cycle 

Daily Dose

Take Ketoconazole 200 mg exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.

Overdose

It is not recommended to take more than 400 mg of ketoconazole per day, as it may cause severe overdose symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headache, tremors, restlessness, and rapid heartbeat.  

FAQ’s 

What are the uses of Ketoconazole 200 mg? 

It is used to treat fungal skin infections like dandruff, ringworm, and itching with redness or scaling. 

Can I use Ketoconazole 200 mg tablets for pimples? 

Ketoconazole 200 mg tablets are mainly used to treat fungal infections. They are not commonly used for typical pimples (acne). However, a doctor may prescribe them in certain cases if the skin condition is caused by a fungal infection that looks like pimples. Always use this medicine only if it is recommended by a doctor. 

What are the side effects of Ketoconazole 200 mg tablets? 

Ketoconazole 200 mg tablets may cause some side effects in certain people. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. In rare cases, it may cause skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or other signs of liver problems. If any severe or unusual symptoms occur, it is important to inform a doctor immediately. 

Reference

1. Ketoconazole (oral route) [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2024. Available from 
2. Ketoconazole Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments [Internet]. Drugs.com. 2026 [cited 2026 Mar 12]. Available from 
3. PubChem. Ketoconazole [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from       

Pranathi Chintaluri

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.