Nizoral 2% (Ketoconazole)

Nizoral 2% Information:

Nizoral 2% (generic name: Ketoconazole) is a prescription shampoo used for the treatment of dandruff. Ketoconazole is an antifungal antidandruff which is also used in tablet form to treat infections caused by fungus. Dandruff is a common, non-contagious skin condition that affects the scalp (the skin that covers the top and back of the head) and causes flakes of skin to appear. Non-contagious means that you cannot catch dandruff from someone who has the condition. Dandruff can vary in severity- it can be mild, moderate or severe. Skin cells are constantly renewing themselves. When skin cells on the scalp are renewed, the old ones are pushed to the surface and come away from the scalp. In people with dandruff, skin renewal is faster, which means that more dead skin is shed and your dandruff is more noticeable.

Nizoral 2% Side Effects:

As with any drug, there may be side effects including mild itching or skin rash. Undesirable effects are unlikely, but like other shampoos Nizoral shampoo may very rarely cause irritation, itching, a burning sensation and dry or greasy hair. Dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis can cause some hair loss, which has been reported with Nizoral shampoo. Occasionally hair discoloration has been reported. This mainly occurs in patients with gray hair or hair that has been treated frequently with agents such as colors, bleaches or perms. If you experience any side effects, you should seek medical attention for safety.

Nizoral 2% Directions:

Nizoral shampoo is for external use only. Wash your hair or any affected skin with Nizoral shampoo and leave it for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing. For dandruff or dry/greasy scaling of the skin: To start with, use Nizoral shampoo twice a week (every 3 or 4 days) for 2-4 weeks. After that, use the shampoo once every 1-2 weeks to prevent the symptoms returning. If your hair If your hair requires washing between treatments, you can use an ordinary shampoo.

For white/brawn patches on the skin: Treat the affected areas With Nizoral shampoo once a day for up for 5 days. These patches can become more apparent on exposure to the sun. This effect can be reduced by a single 3-day course of Nizoral shampoo applied immediately before exposure to the sun.

Do not use Nizoral shampoo more often than directed. If you need to use a shampoo more often, you can use your usual shampoo. If your hair is very thick or long you can wash with your usual shampoo and then use Nizoral shampoo.

If you swallow some of your medicine?
Accidental swallowing is normally harmless but as with all externally used products you should tell your doctor straight away.

What might happen if you stop using the shampoo?
Once your dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis has cleared, you can control it and stop it coming back by using Nizoral shampoo regularly once every one or two weeks. If you stop using your Nizoral shampoo altogether then your dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis may become a problem again.

What you should do if you miss an application of the shampoo?
Do not worry if you miss an application of Nizoral shampoo. You should resume your treatment as soon as you remember.

Nizoral 2% Precautions:

Do not use Nizoral 2% if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, and inform your doctor. You should inform your doctor if you have any medical conditions including any other skin conditions, or any open wounds. Some medicines may interact with Nizoral 2%, and you should therefore consult your doctor if you are using any other medicatoins.