Generic name: Ketoconazole Shampoo 1% [ kee-toe-KOE-na-zole ]
Brand name: Nizoral A-D
Drug class: Topical antifungals

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 27, 2023.

Uses of Ketoconazole Shampoo 1%:

• It is used to treat dandruff.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Ketoconazole Shampoo 1%?

• If you are allergic to ketoconazole shampoo 1%; any part of ketoconazole shampoo 1%; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take ketoconazole shampoo 1% with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Ketoconazole Shampoo 1%?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take ketoconazole shampoo 1%. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If ketoconazole shampoo 1% is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Ketoconazole Shampoo 1%) best taken?

Use ketoconazole shampoo 1% as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not take ketoconazole shampoo 1% by mouth. Use on your scalp and hair only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, ears, and eyes (may burn).
• Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
• Wet hair and scalp.
• Put on enough shampoo to make a lather.
• Lather well and leave on as you have been told.
• Rinse well.
• If your skin is broken or swollen, talk with your doctor before using ketoconazole shampoo 1%. Some drugs are not for use on broken or swollen skin.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

What are some other side effects of Ketoconazole Shampoo 1%?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Burning.
• Irritation where ketoconazole shampoo 1% is used.
• Takes curl out of hair.
• Hair loss.
• Change in color of hair.
• Change in hair texture.
• Itching.
• Dry skin.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Ketoconazole Shampoo 1%?

• Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Protect from light.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about ketoconazole shampoo 1%, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer