Ketoconazole shampoo is a medicated shampoo designed to treat fungal infections affecting the scalp, such as stubborn dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. It is also an ingredient in some hair loss shampoos, as it has been scientifically linked to improvements in hair growth. Ketoconazole shampoo is available both over the counter (OTC) and by prescription from a healthcare provider. The most commonly known OTC brand is Nizoral, which contains 1% ketoconazole. Prescription brands include Ketozal, Ketozolin, and Ket Med, which contain 2% or more of ketoconazole.
Positive effects of ketoconazole shampoo for hair loss include improvements in hair growth, although the long-term effectiveness is not yet known. Negative effects may include hair discoloration, abnormal hair texture, removal of the curl from permanently waved hair, itching, skin burning sensation, contact dermatitis, hypersensitivity, angioedema, alopecia, rash, urticaria, skin irritation, dry skin, and application site reactions. In rare cases, ketoconazole shampoo can result in hair loss.
The active ingredient in ketoconazole shampoo is ketoconazole, which is a synthetic antifungal agent. Other ingredients in ketoconazole shampoo may include coconut fatty acid diethanolamide, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, FD & C Red No. 40, hydrochloric acid, imidurea, laurdimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed collagen, PEG-120 methyl glucose dioleate, purified water, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, and sodium lauryl ether sulfate.
