Nizoral (Ketoconazole) Anti-Dandruff Treatment 2%

Nizoral shampoo general information

What is Nizoral shampoo used for?

Nizoral shampoo 2% is used to prevent and treat skin infections caused by the fungus malassezia (previously called Pityrosporum) which is a yeast normally found in the skin but can overgrow and cause problems like:

• Dandruff
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis - dry or greasy scaling of the scalp and other parts of the body
• Tinea versicolor (pityriasis) - white to brown scaly patches on the body .

Nizoral shampoo 2% relieves the itching and scaling caused by this fungal infection.

How does Nizoral shampoo work?

Nizoral shampoo 2% contain ketoconazole, a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal agent that specifically kills the fungus by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane that is not found in animal cells. Nizoral shampoo weakens the fungal cell membrane, causing the cell contents to leak out which kills the fungus, preventing the spread infection from spreading and relieving symptoms like itching and scaling caused by the infection.

What does Nizoral Shampoo contain?

Each gram of Nizoral shampoo contains 20 mg of the active ingredient ketoconazole (2 % w/w) a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal agent. Nizoral shampoo also contains sodium lauryl ether sulphate, disodium monolauryl ether sulphosuccinate, coconut fatty acid diethanolamide, laurdimonium hydrolysed animal collagen, macrogol 120 methyl glucose dioleate, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, imidurea, hydrochloric acid, erythrosine (E127) and purified water.

Treating dandruff with Nizoral Shampoo

Nizoral shampoo 2% contains ketoconazole, a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal agent that specifically kills the fungus that causes dandruff, by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane. The fungus malassezia (previously called Pityrosporum) is a yeast normally found in the skin but can overgrow and cause problems like dandruff, when the rate at which dead skin cells are shed and replaced begins to speed up, as a reaction to irritation by the fungus. Nizoral shampoo stops fungal growth and therefore relieves itchy scalp and the accumulation of white flakes in the hair and on the shoulders which are characteristic symptoms of dandruff,.

Nizoral shampoo for hair loss

Nizoral shampoo may be beneficial in men suffering from androgenic alopecia as there is some evidence to suggest that using Nizoral shampoo increases hair thickness and decreases hair shedding, as well as increasing hair follicles in anagen-phase (growth phase).

What are the side effects of Nizoral shampoo?

The most common reported side effects when using Nizoral shampoo are a burning sensation, itching, skin redness or irritation where the shampoo has been used. Less common is oily, dry or discoloured hair (mainly with grey hair or hair that has been permed, dyed or bleached) and hair loss.

When should Nizoral shampoo not be used?

You should not use Nizoral shampoo if you:

• are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding
• are allergic to ketoconazole or any ingredients in Nizoral shampoo
• using a topical corticosteroid

How should Nizoral shampoo be used?

You should use Nizoral shampoo twice a week for up to 4 weeks, using normal shampoo in between if you want to wash your hair between treatments. Then to prevent the condition returning you can use Nizoral shampoo once every 2-3 weeks. Wet your hair, apply the shampoo to your wet scalp and work into lather. Leave on for 3 to 5 minutes then rinse thoroughly with water. Avoid contact with the eyes and if shampoo enters the eyes, rinse with cold water. For treating Tinea versicolor, apply Nizoral shampoo once daily for a maximum of 5 days.

Missed dose of Nizoral shampoo

If you miss a treatment with Nizoral shampoo use it as soon as you remember, unless it is time for the next treatment, then skip the missed treatment. Do not take a double dose.

How should Nizoral shampoo be stored?

You should store your Nizoral shampoo in a cool dry place below 25°C.