extina

Extina (ketoconazole) is an antifungal medication that prevents fungus from growing on your skin.

Extina Foam is used on the skin (topical) to treat a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis in patients 12 years of age and older. Seborrheic dermatitis can cause areas of flaky skin (scales) on the scalp, face, ears, chest or upper back.

Extina Foam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

You should not use Extina if you are allergic to ketoconazole.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is completely cleared.

Do not use bandages or dressings over the treated skin areas, unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Stop using Extina Foam and call your doctor if you have severe burning, irritation, redness, pain, or oozing where the medicine is applied.

Extina Foam is flammable. Do not use it while you are smoking or near an open flame.

Do not use this medication on a child younger than 12 years old.

Before using Extina

You should not use Extina if you are allergic to ketoconazole.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Extina Foam will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

It is not known whether ketoconazole passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. You should not breast-feed if you have applied Extina Foam to your breast area.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old without medical advice.

How should I apply Extina?

Apply Extina Foam exactly as prescribed. The foam is usually applied to the affected skin areas two times a day (once in the morning and once at night) for 4 weeks. Talk to your doctor if your skin does not improve after 4 weeks of treatment

1. Hold the can at an upright angle.
2. Push the button to spray Extina Foam directly into the cap of the can or other cool surface. Spray only the amount of Extina Foam that you will need to cover your affected skin. Do not spray the foam directly onto your affected skin or your hands because it will begin to melt right away when it touches your skin.
3. If your fingers are warm, rinse them in cold water first. Be sure to dry them well before handling the Extina Foam. If the foam can seems warm or runny, place the can under cool running water for a few minutes.
4. Using your fingertips, gently massage Extina Foam into the affected areas until the foam disappears.
5. If you are treating skin areas with hair such as your scalp, move any hair away so that the foam can be applied to the affected skin.
6. Do not get Extina Foam in your eyes, mouth or vagina. If any foam gets in your eyes, mouth or vagina, rinse areas well with water.
7. Wash your hands well after applying Extina.

Do not use Extina Foam to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not place Extina in the refrigerator or freezer.

Extina Foam is flammable. Do not smoke while holding the Extina Foam can or while spraying or applying the foam. Keep the can away from and do not spray it near fire, open flame, or direct heat. Never throw the can into a fire, even if the can is empty. Do not leave the can in direct sunlight.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Extina Foam is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water.

Avoid covering treated skin areas with tight-fitting, synthetic clothing (such as nylon or polyester) that doesn"t allow air to circulate to your skin. If you are treating your feet, wear clean cotton socks and sandals or shoes that allow for air circulation. Keep your feet as dry as possible.

Avoid using other skin or hair products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps or shampoos or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

Extina side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Extina: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Extina Foam and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe itching, burning, or irritation where the medicine is applied;

• oily or dry scalp, mild hair loss;

• redness, pain, or oozing of treated skin areas; or

• eye redness, swelling, or irritation.

Less serious Extina side effects include:

• mild skin itching or irritation;

• dry skin; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Extina?

There may be other drugs that can affect Extina Foam. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.