Ketoconazole and Hydrocortisone

Generic name: Ketoconazole and Hydrocortisone [ KEE-toe-KON-a-zole/HYE-droe-KOR-ti-sone ]
Brand name: Xolegel CorePak
Drug class: Topical steroids with anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 25, 2024.

Uses of Ketoconazole and Hydrocortisone:

Ketoconazole:

• It is used to control seborrheic dermatitis.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

Hydrocortisone:

• It is used to treat skin irritation.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Ketoconazole and Hydrocortisone?

• If you have an allergy to ketoconazole, hydrocortisone, or any other part of ketoconazole and hydrocortisone.
• If you are allergic to ketoconazole and hydrocortisone; any part of ketoconazole and hydrocortisone; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take ketoconazole and hydrocortisone with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Ketoconazole and Hydrocortisone?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take ketoconazole and hydrocortisone. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• If you use ketoconazole and hydrocortisone too often, your skin problem may become worse.
• Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
• This medicine may catch on fire. Do not use near an open flame or while smoking.
• Do not put on cuts, scrapes, eczema, or damaged skin.
• Use care when putting on a large part of the skin or where there are open wounds. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If ketoconazole and hydrocortisone is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• Do not use longer than you have been told by the doctor.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• Do not use to treat diaper rash.
• This medicine may affect growth in children and teens in some cases. They may need regular growth checks. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using ketoconazole and hydrocortisone while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Ketoconazole and Hydrocortisone) best taken?

Use ketoconazole and hydrocortisone as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All products:

• Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
• Do not take ketoconazole and hydrocortisone by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wash your hands after use if putting this on your hand.
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
• Do not put on the face, underarms, or the groin area unless told to do so by the doctor.
• If using on the groin, use a little bit. Do not wear tight clothing.
• Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings) unless told to do so by the doctor.

Ketoconazole:

• Do not bathe, shower, or swim for 3 hours after putting on.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, more thirst, more hungry, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
• Weight gain.
• Change in eyesight.
• Very bad headache.
• Skin changes (pimples, stretch marks, slow healing, hair growth).
• Very bad skin irritation.
• Redness.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Ketoconazole and Hydrocortisone?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Stinging.
• Dry skin.
• Burning.
• Skin irritation.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Ketoconazole and Hydrocortisone?

• Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Protect from heat or open flame.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about ketoconazole and hydrocortisone, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer