Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo (ketoconazole)

How does it work?

Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo contains the active ingredient ketoconazole, which is a type of medicine called an antifungal. It is used to treat infections with fungi and yeasts.

Ketoconazole kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disruption in production of ergosterol disrupts the fungal cell membrane, causing holes to appear in it.

The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As ketoconazole causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and treats the infection.

Ketoconazole is used to treat a number of different types of fungal and yeast infections. Ketoconazole shampoo is used to treat scalp conditions that are caused by infection with the yeast Pityrosporum. These include dandruff, which is considered to be a mild form of seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Ketoconazole shampoo should be used to wash the hair twice weekly for two to four weeks. It should be left for three to five minutes before rinsing. Once the scalp has cleared up these conditions can be prevented from coming back by using the shampoo once every one to two weeks.

What is it used for?

Dandruff.

Warning!

This medicine is for external use only.

Avoid getting the shampoo in the eyes. If it does enter the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water.

If your scalp has not cleared up after four weeks of treatment you should consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not absorbed into the bloodstream from the skin and thus should not be harmful if used during pregnancy.

This medicine is not absorbed into the bloodstream from the skin and can be safely used during breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Burning sensation.

Itching (pruritus).

Allergic inflammation of the skin (contact dermatitis).

Dry hair.

Oily hair.

Discolouration of hair (rare and mainly affecting chemically-damaged or grey hair).

Eczema.

Hair loss.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine is not absorbed into the bloodstream and does not affect other medicines.

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