Azoles for Ringworm of the Scalp or Beard
Examples
Pills or liquid (oral)
|
| fluconazole | Diflucan |
| itraconazole | Sporanox |
Shampoo and cream (topical, applied directly to the
skin)
How It Works
Azoles stop the growth of fungi.
Why It Is Used
You can use azole pills to treat
ringworm of the scalp and beard. You can use
ketoconazole shampoo along with pills to treat ringworm of the scalp or
beard.
How Well It Works
Azoles are an effective treatment for ringworm of the scalp or beard.
Side Effects
Side effects are rare when you use azole
cream or shampoo to treat ringworm of the scalp or beard. When you use azole
pills or liquids, side effects may include:
- Stomach
upset.
- Headaches.
- Rash.
- Liver problems, in
rare cases.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
- You should not take antifungal pills with
certain other medicines. Let your doctor or pharmacist know what other
medicines you are taking.
- Women who are pregnant or nursing should
not take azole pills.
- You should not take
ketoconazole pills within 2 hours of taking antacids, because the amount of
ketoconazole absorbed into your blood will be reduced. To ensure better
absorption into your body, you can take ketoconazole with cola or orange
juice.
- Do not drink alcohol while you are taking azole pills, as
this may increase the risk of liver damage.
- People who are taking
antifungal pills will have their blood counts and liver and kidney functions
monitored during treatment to watch for any adverse side effects.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology |
|---|
| Last Revised | March 21, 2011 |
|---|
Last Revised:
March 21, 2011