Nizoral shampoo, containing the active ingredient ketoconazole, is an antifungal medication used to treat various fungal infections of the skin. It is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription, offering a versatile approach to managing different conditions.
NIZORAL® (ketoconazole) 2% Shampoo is a red-orange liquid for topical application, containing the broad spectrum synthetic antifungal agent ketoconazole in a concentration of 2% in an aqueous suspension. It also contains: coconut fatty acid diethanolamide, disodium monolauryl ether sulfosuccinate, F.D.&C. Red No.
Ketoconazole shampoo is designed to treat fungal infections that affect the scalp. It can be used to address a range of conditions, including:
Topical ketoconazole may not be appropriate for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Fungi in some locations may have developed resistance to topical ketoconazole, which will make it not work as well.
While ketoconazole is most often used for its antifungal properties to treat infections or conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, some evidence suggests that it may also help promote hair growth or reduce hair loss. However, more research is necessary to investigate this possibility.
Read also: Ketoconazole Shampoo: A Detailed Guide
Topical ketoconazole is an antifungal medicine that stops the growth of the fungus causing the infection. Ketoconazole inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol, a crucial component of fungal cell membranes.
Nizoral is available as a cream, gel, and shampoo. Topical ketoconazole comes in a cream, foam, and shampoo.
Multiple types of ketoconazole shampoos are available OTC and by prescription from a healthcare professional.
Dosage forms and strengths:
Ketoconazole is also available as a tablet that is swallowed.
Read also: Uses of Nizoral Shampoo
You should use a ketoconazole shampoo as instructed by your doctor or as indicated on the product label.
To use it on your scalp, apply the shampoo to wet hair. Lather it well and give it time to soak into your scalp before rinsing. You can then condition the ends of your hair, rinse, and dry as you usually would.
If you’re using ketoconazole shampoo on an area other than your scalp, apply it to the affected area and let it sit for 5 minutes. Wash it off thoroughly with water, and then dry your skin.
How often and how long you’ll use the shampoo will depend on several factors, such as:
Based on these factors, your doctor might ask you to use the shampoo anywhere from every other day to once per week.
Read also: Comprehensive Nizoral Guide
Use ketoconazole shampoo exactly as your doctor recommends. Do not use it more or less frequently than your doctor tells you to.
You should start to see results within 2 to 4 weeks after you begin using the shampoo, unless your doctor tells you otherwise for your particular condition. If you don’t see any improvement after a month, ask your doctor whether a different treatment option is necessary.
If ketoconazole shampoo doesn’t work to treat your skin condition, you might need to try an alternative. Options might include other medications, such as oral antifungals, to help treat your overall condition or more widespread infections.
There are also other medicated shampoos that you can try.
Wet the skin and apply the medication to the areas to be cleansed. Massage gently into the skin working it into a full lather. Leave in place for 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with plain water. Pat the skin dry. If you are using this product on your scalp, you do not need to use regular shampoo after every application.
Good health habits are also required for patients using the cream form of this medicine to help clear up your infection completely and to help make sure it does not return.
Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis): For patients using the cream for athlete's foot (tinea pedis; ringworm of the foot), the following instructions will help keep the feet cool and dry:
Ringworm of the Groin (Tinea Cruris; Jock Itch): For patients using the cream for ringworm of the groin (tinea cruris; jock itch), the following instructions will help reduce chafing and irritation and will also help keep the groin area cool and dry:
Before using ketoconazole, you should be aware of the side effects it may cause.
Along with its needed effects, ketoconazole topical (the active ingredient contained in Nizoral Shampoo) may cause some unwanted effects. Some side effects of ketoconazole topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.
The most common side effects of topical ketoconazole are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
There may be other side effects of topical ketoconazole that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine.
One of the most common side effects is skin irritation, which can take the form of pimple-like bumps on your skin where you’ve used the product. Ketoconazole shampoo might also cause oiliness or dryness of your hair or scalp, changes in hair texture, or discoloration.
If your hair is permed, ketoconazole may cause your hair to lose its curl.
In rare cases, ketoconazole shampoo can result in hair loss. Talk with your doctor right away if you notice this side effect.
While less common, the most serious side effects of topical ketoconazole are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; hoarseness; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have the following symptoms while using the ketoconazole 2% shampoo: hair discoloration, abnormal hair texture, removal of the curl from permanently waved hair, hair loss, itching, burning sensation of the skin, or blistering, peeling, or redness of the skin. Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you or your child have a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on the skin.
Severe Allergic Reactions: Topical ketoconazole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Symptoms of allergic reaction:
Anaphylactic reactions and other severe hypersensitivities have also been reported with ketoconazole use. Stop using topical ketoconazole and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and check you for any problems or unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine. Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor. If your skin problem does not improve within 2 weeks for cutaneous candidiasis, pityriasis versicolor, tinea corporis, or tinea cruris; or 4 weeks for seborrheic dermatitis; or 4 to 6 weeks for tinea pedis, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.
There are no known interactions between topical ketoconazole and other medicines. Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:
Topical ketoconazole should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Topical ketoconazole foam is flammable. Keep it away from open flames. Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
An overdose of Nizoral A-D is not expected to be dangerous.
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