How to get ketoconazole 2% shampoo?

Table of Content:
What is ketoconazole 2% shampoo used for? | Brands | How to get ketoconazole 2% shampoo? | Can you buy it online? | FAQ

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What is ketoconazole 2% shampoo used for?

Dr. Carolina Fernandez Quiroga, board-certified dermatologist explains that ketoconazole 2% shampoo is a medicated product formulated with ketoconazole, a powerful antifungal agent. It is primarily used to treat yeast-related scalp and skin conditions. Common conditions treated with ketoconazole shampoo include dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and tinea versicolor (a yeast overgrowth)^{1 2}. 

The shampoo works by reducing fungal overgrowth, particularly of the yeast Malassezia, which is often linked to these conditions. By addressing the root cause, ketoconazole shampoo alleviates symptoms like itching, redness, flaking, and irritation, promoting a healthier scalp and skin environment³. 

What are the different brands of ketoconazole 2% shampoo?

• Nizoral 2%: This formulation is available only with a prescription in the U.S. for treating conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and fungal infections of the scalp. (The 1% version is available over the counter.)
• Ketozal: As a generic version of ketoconazole 2%

How to get ketoconazole 2% (Nizoral) shampoo?

Ketoconazole shampoo 2% is not available over the counter, it requires a prescription. On the other hand, you can buy ketoconazole shampoo 1% over the counter. The prescription-strength version is recommended if you have used the over-the-counter version but you have not seen the results you had hoped for. 

How to get a prescription for ketoconazole (Nizoral) shampoo 2%?

To get a prescription for ketoconazole 2% shampoo, you need to have consultation with a board-certified dermatologist via Miiskin. This can be done via telemedicine, after the consultation, your dermatologist will evaluate your symptoms and medical history to determine whether prescription-strength ketoconazole shampoo is adequate for you. If appropriate, they will issue a prescription that can be filled at a local pharmacy or through an online prescription service.

Can you buy ketoconazole 2% (Nizoral) shampoo online?

Yes, you can buy the ketoconazole shampoo 2% at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or drugstore websites, but you will need a valid prescription. 

Can I get an anti-fungal tablets for my condition via Miiskin?

Yes, you can get oral antifungal medication or antifungal creams via Miiskin for the treatment of certain fungal infections, particularly those that are severe, widespread, or unresponsive to topical treatments. Commonly prescribed options include fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine, which are often used for conditions like extensive athlete’s foot, onychomycosis (fungal nail infections), or systemic fungal infections affecting deeper tissues. These medications work internally, addressing the infection from within and offering a more comprehensive solution compared to topical treatments. However, due to potential side effects or drug interactions, oral antifungals are typically recommended only when topical therapies prove insufficient.

Frequently asked questions about ketoconazole 2% (Nizoral) shampoo

Can ketoconazole 2% (Nizoral) shampoo regrow hair?

Ketoconazole has shown some potential to support hair regrowth indirectly, particularly in cases of androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness). It may reduce scalp inflammation and inhibit Malassezia, which can negatively impact the scalp environment. Additionally, there is evidence that ketoconazole may have mild anti-androgenic properties, which could help counteract the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone involved in hair loss. However, it is not a primary treatment for hair regrowth and is typically used in combination with other therapies like minoxidil or finasteride^{4 5}.

How many days in a row can you use ketoconazole 2% shampoo?

Dr. Fernndez says ketoconazole shampoo 2% is typically recommended for use 2 to 3 times per week for most conditions. Using it for several consecutive days is generally not necessary unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider. Overuse can lead to scalp dryness or irritation, so it’s important to follow the instructions on the label or those provided by your doctor.

Is ketoconazole a DHT blocker?

Ketoconazole is not classified as a direct DHT blocker like finasteride, but it may have mild anti-androgenic effects that can help reduce the impact of DHT on the scalp⁶. This could indirectly benefit individuals experiencing androgenetic alopecia, as DHT contributes to hair follicle miniaturization. However, its DHT-blocking properties are less potent and not the primary reason it is used in hair care.

Is too much ketoconazole 2% shampoo bad for hair?

Yes, Dr. Fernandez says that using too much ketoconazole can be harmful to hair and scalp health. Excessive use can lead to dryness, irritation, and potential damage to the hair shaft, making hair brittle or prone to breakage. It’s best to use ketoconazole shampoo as directed, balancing its use with a gentle, hydrating shampoo to maintain healthy hair and scalp.

Is dandruff a fungus?

Dr. Fernandez says that dandruff itself is not a fungus, but it is often linked to the yeast-like fungus Malassezia, which lives naturally on the scalp. In some individuals, Malassezia can overgrow, leading to scalp irritation, flaking, and the symptoms of dandruff. Other factors, such as dry skin, sensitivity to hair products, or certain medical conditions, can also contribute to dandruff. Antifungal shampoos like ketoconazole can help control Malassezia and reduce dandruff symptoms effectively.

Can I wash my hair with regular shampoo after using ketoconazole shampoo?

Yes, Dr Fernandez says you can wash your hair with regular shampoo after using ketoconazole shampoo if needed, but it is not usually necessary. Ketoconazole shampoo should be applied first to the scalp, lathered, and left on for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the medication to work effectively before rinsing it out. If you feel the need to use regular shampoo afterward—perhaps to improve the texture, scent, or manageability of your hair—it is generally safe to do so, provided you rinse thoroughly. However, alternating ketoconazole shampoo with a gentle, non-medicated shampoo on separate days is often a better approach to avoid scalp dryness or irritation.

Article References:
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1108312-medication#2
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9843006/
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-75147-179/ketoconazole-topical/ketoconazole-shampoo-topical/details
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14729013/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31858672/