Kenozole Cream (Ketoconazole)

Kenozole general information

What is Kenozole used for?

Kenozole Cream 2% is used as a topical treatment for fungal infections of the skin and scalp, due to the Tinea fungus.  Tinea is a dermatophyte fungus also known as ringworm.  Tinea causes fungal infection in different parts of the body including ringworm of the foot, also known as Athlete's foot (tinea pedis), of the body (tinea corporis), of the groin (tinea cruris or jock itch), and of the scalp (tinea capitis).  Kenozole Cream 2% is also used to treat infection by the yeast fungus Malassezia, which causes Pityriasis versicolor, characterised by flaky discoloured patches that appear on the chest and back and seborrhoeic dermatitis, a form of dermatitis or inflammation of the skin that affects mainly the scalp and face.  Kenozole Cream 2% is also effective against infection with  the yeast fungus Candida, which causes cutaneous candidiasis, characterised by itchy red rash on various parts of the body, usually in warm, moist creased areas of skin, like under the arms and in the groin.   

How does Kenozole work?

Kenozole Cream 2% contains ketoconazole, a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal that is used to treat a variety of fungal infections of the skin.  Ketoconazole in Kenozole Cream 2% prevents growth of dermatophyte and yeast fungi by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane that is not found in animal cells.  This results in altering the permeability of the fungal cell membrane causing it to become weakened, so that the cell contents to leak out, which kills the fungus, preventing the infection from spreading and relieving symptoms caused by the fungal infection, including pain and inflammation.  When used as a topical antifungal, no detectable ketoconazole enters the blood, reducing risk of systemic side effects. 

What does Kenozole contain?

Kenozole Cream contains the active ingredient ketoconazole 2% (w/w), a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal that is used to treat a variety of fungal infections. 

Treating fungal infections with Kenozole

Kenozole Cream 2% contains ketoconazole, a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal that is used to treat a variety of fungal infections due to dermatophyte fungus Tinea, known as ringworm and the yeast Candida.  These infections include, ringworm of the foot, also known as Athlete's foot (tinea pedis), of the body (tinea corporis), of the groin (tinea cruris or jock itch), and of the scalp (tinea capitis).  Malassezia is a yeast-like fungus that causes Pityriasis versicolor, characterised by flaky discoloured patches that appear on the chest and back and seborrhoeic dermatitis, a form of dermatitis or inflammation of the skin that affects mainly the scalp and face.  Candida causes cutaneous candidiasis, characterised by itchy red rash on various parts of the body, usually in warm, moist creased areas of skin, like under the arms and in the groin.  Ketoconazole in Kenozole Cream 2% prevents growth of dermatophyte and yeast fungi by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane that is not found in animal cells.  This results in altering the permeability of the fungal cell membrane causing it to become weakened, so that the cell contents to leak out, which kills the fungus, preventing the infection from spreading and relieving symptoms caused by the fungal infection, including pain and inflammation. 

What are the side effects of Kenozole?

The most commonly reported side effects when using Kenozole Cream 2% include, burning sensation or irritation at the site of application, such as redness, pain and swelling; oily or dry scalp, mild hair loss. 

When should Kenozole not be used?

You should not use Kenozole Cream 2% if you:

• are allergic to ketoconazole or any ingredients in Kenozole
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor

How should Kenozole be used?

You should apply your Kenozole Cream 2% to the affected area and rub gently into the skin once or twice daily depending on what you are being treated for and the severity of the infection.  You should continue your course of treatment with Kenozole Cream for 2-6 weeks, depending on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendation, until signs and symptoms of the infection has disappeared.  Wash your hands to prevent spreading the infection and do not get the cream into your eyes.

How long should you take Kenozole?

You should continue your course of treatment with Kenozole Cream for 2-6 weeks, depending on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendation. 

Missed dose of Kenozole

If you miss a dose of Kenozole apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Kenozole be stored?

You should store your Kenozole below 25°C in a cool dry place.