Noripharma Kezol (Ketoconazole) Cream

Noripharma Kezol Cream is a topical antifungal cream containing Ketoconazole 2% w/w as its active ingredient, presented as a smooth cream for external application to the skin. Ketoconazole belongs to the imidazole class of antifungal compounds, one of the most widely used topical antifungal drug classes sold in Malaysian community pharmacies. The cream is manufactured by Noripharma and supplied in a 15g tube, sized for a typical course of localised skin application.

As an OTC (Over-the-Counter) product, Kezol Cream can be bought in Malaysia without needing a doctor’s prescription at the pharmacy counter, though a pharmacist consultation is recommended for correct product selection and duration of use. It is formulated for topical use only and is not intended for oral, ophthalmic, or mucosal application.

Kezol Cream is one of several ketoconazole 2% topical creams registered and sold in the Malaysian market, alongside other imidazole-class antifungal brands. Buyers should confirm the pack size (15g) and formulation strength printed on the carton against their pharmacist’s or doctor’s recommendation, as ketoconazole creams are also available in different strengths and combination formulations from other manufacturers.

Wash and dry the affected skin area thoroughly before application. Apply a thin, even layer of Kezol Cream to cover the affected area and a small margin of the surrounding healthy skin, then gently rub in until absorbed. Wash hands thoroughly after application unless the hands are the area being treated. Avoid applying the cream to broken, oozing, or severely inflamed skin unless directed by a pharmacist or doctor, and avoid contact with the eyes, inside of the nose, mouth, and other mucous membranes. If you are using any other topical product on the same area, such as a steroid cream or another antifungal product, space the applications apart and check with a pharmacist to avoid duplicating active ingredients or reducing the effect of either product.

For adults and children as directed by a pharmacist, Kezol Cream is generally applied once or twice daily to the affected skin area, depending on the specific skin condition and product labelling. Typical treatment courses for common superficial fungal skin infections run for approximately 2 to 4 weeks, and treatment is usually continued for several days after visible symptoms have cleared to reduce the chance of recurrence, unless the product label or a healthcare professional advises otherwise. If an application is missed, apply it as soon as remembered and continue with the regular schedule; do not apply a double amount to make up for a missed application. If there is no improvement after 2 to 4 weeks of regular use, or if the area worsens, becomes more painful, swollen, or shows signs of secondary infection such as pus or spreading redness, stop use and see a doctor or pharmacist.

Use Kezol Cream before the expiry date printed on the tube and outer carton. Once opened, follow any in-use period stated on the packaging; if none is stated, discard the tube after the standard in-use period for topical creams or by the printed expiry date, whichever comes first.

Store Kezol Cream below 30°C, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and away from the reach and sight of children. Keep the tube tightly capped after each use to prevent contamination and drying out of the cream. Do not store in a bathroom that is prone to heat and humidity, and do not use the product if the tube is damaged or the cream has changed in colour, consistency, or smell.

• Common: Mild burning, stinging, or itching sensation at the application site, especially on first use.
• Common: Localised redness or dryness of the treated skin.
• Common: Mild irritation or a temporary rash confined to the area of application.
• Serious: Signs of an allergic skin reaction, such as significant swelling, blistering, or hives spreading beyond the application site, requiring the product to be stopped and medical attention sought.
• Serious: Severe or worsening irritation, or signs of a secondary skin infection such as increasing pain, warmth, swelling, or pus, which should be assessed by a doctor or pharmacist.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to ketoconazole, other imidazole antifungal agents, or any other ingredient in the cream.
• Not for use on open wounds, deep cuts, or severely broken skin unless specifically directed by a doctor or pharmacist.
• Not for ophthalmic, intranasal, oral, or vaginal use — this cream is formulated for external skin use only.

• Topical ketoconazole is absorbed into the bloodstream only in small amounts, so clinically significant drug or food interactions are uncommon compared with oral ketoconazole; however, applying other medicated creams to the same area at the same time may reduce absorption or effectiveness of either product.
• Avoid using this cream at the same time as other antifungal, corticosteroid, or medicated skin products on the same area unless a pharmacist or doctor has advised combined use, to avoid unnecessary duplication of active ingredients.
• No specific food interactions are known for this topical product, as it is not taken orally.

• Keep the affected skin area clean and dry between applications, as fungi tend to thrive in warm, moist environments.
• Use a separate, clean towel for the affected area to avoid spreading the condition to other parts of the body or to other household members.
• Wash clothing, socks, and towels that come into contact with the affected area in hot water where possible.
• Avoid sharing this cream, towels, or personal items with others.
• Complete the full recommended course even if the skin appears to improve early, unless a pharmacist advises otherwise.
• Check the expiry date and tube condition before each use, and do not use a cream that looks or smells different from normal.

Precautions: Kezol Cream is intended for external use on the skin only. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and parents of young children, should check with a pharmacist or doctor before use, as clinical experience with topical ketoconazole in these groups is more limited than for general adult use. Avoid applying the cream near the eyes or on broken or infected skin unless a healthcare professional has advised otherwise, and discontinue use if irritation worsens.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the skin condition does not improve after 2 to 4 weeks of regular use, if symptoms worsen, if you notice signs of an allergic reaction or secondary infection, or if the affected area is extensive, on the face, near the eyes, or in a skin fold that has not previously been assessed by a healthcare professional.