Brand Name
Nizoral Shampoo
Common Name
ketoconazole topical
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02182920 | NIZORAL 2% SHAMPOO |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Ketoconazole belongs to the family of medications called antifungals. It is used to treat fungal infections of the skin (ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch) and nails. It is also used to treat "sun fungus" (tinea versicolor, pityriasis versicolor). The shampoo is used to treat and prevent conditions such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
Ketoconazole cream: The cream is usually applied once daily to the affected and immediate surrounding area for a treatment period of 2 to 6 weeks, depending on condition being treated. For treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, the cream is usually used twice daily for 4 weeks.
Ketoconazole shampoo: Apply 5 mL to 10 mL to the wet scalp, work into a lather, and leave on for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing with water. Take care to keep the shampoo out of the eyes and off the eyelids. If contact occurs, flush the eyes thoroughly with water. If using as a treatment, apply twice weekly for 2 to 4 weeks. If using as a preventative measure, apply once every 1 to 2 weeks.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
This medication is available under multiple brand names and in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each mL of pink-orange, viscous shampoo contains ketoconazole 2% (20 mg/g). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cocamide DEA, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, FD&C Red No. 3, fragrance, hydrochloric acid, imidazolidinyl urea, laurdimonium hydrolyzed collagen, methyl glucose dioleate, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, sodium laureth sulfate and water.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Ketoconazole should not be used by anyone who is allergic to ketoconazole or any of the ingredients of the medication.
Did you find what you were looking for on our website? Please let us know.
