ketoconazole/cetrimide

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

ketoconazole having antifungal properties. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, a key component of the fungal cell membrane. This disruption in the fungal cell membrane structure weakens the cell, leading to its death.  

cetrimide is not a medication for treating fungal infections. Instead, it is an antiseptic and disinfectant agent. It is effective in killing or inhibiting the growth of a wide range of bacteria and fungi. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Burning 

Irritation  

Itching 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• ketoconazole/cetrimide should not be used by individuals who are hypersensitive or allergic to the drug or any of its components. 

Caution: 

• While using ketoconazole individual should take caution with pre-existing liver disease.  
• Avoid contact with mucous membranes, such as the eyes and mouth as cetrimide can cause irritation. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

<b>Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

ketoconazole blocks the activity of an enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, which is essential for the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol in fungi. Without ergosterol, the fungal cell membrane becomes structurally unstable, leading to cell death. 

cetrimide is an ammonium compound that primarily acts as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It disrupts the cell membranes of bacteria and some other microorganisms, leading to cell death. It has both bactericidal and bacteriostatic properties. 

Pharmacodynamics 

ketoconazole accomplishes this by blocking the activity of lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase. This disruption in fungal cell membrane structure weakens the cell, leading to its death. 

cetrimide is cationic and interacts with negatively charged components on the microbial cell surface, leading to membrane damage and cell death. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Limited information available on ADME. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

ketoconazole/cetrimide is a combination drug available in topical forms such as lotions, soaps, and creams.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: ketoconazole/cetrimide 

Why do we use ketoconazole/cetrimide? 

Klinique Active (ketoconazole/cetrimide) is a combination drug used as antifungal and antiseptic agent to treat various skin and hair infections. ketoconazole/cetrimide is used to control dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.