What is ketoconazole (Nizoral) 2 % shampoo used for?

Dr. Carolina Fernandez Quiroga, board-certified dermatologist, talks about how to get ketoconazole 2 % shampoo online with a quick dermatologist photo-consultation.

Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Carolina Fernandez Quiroga
Dermatologist

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

Tried anti-dandruff shampoos, but still dealing with flakes, itching, or scalp irritation that won’t go away?

If so, you may have come across ketoconazole 2% shampoo (also known as Nizoral 2% shampoo), a stronger, prescription-strength option often recommended when regular treatments don’t work.

However, ketoconazole shampoo 2% is only available with a prescription. Instead of trial-and-error, get the right diagnosis and treatment from the start and save weeks of frustration.

With Miiskin, you can request a ketoconazole 2% shampoo prescription online, reviewed by a board-certified dermatologist, without an in-person appointment.

Need a ketoconazole 2% shampoo prescription?

Consult a dermatologist

Average online dermatologist response time from April–June 2026: 14.4 hours

What is Nizoral 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.

Can you get ketoconazole 2% shampoo over the counter?

Nizoral 2% shampoo is available by prescription only and cannot be purchased over the counter. The prescription-strength formula may be recommended if you have already tried the over-the-counter version but have not achieved the results you were hoping for.

How to get a prescription for Nizoral shampoo 2%?

To get an online prescription for ketoconazole 2% shampoo, you can have consultation with a board-certified dermatologist via Miiskin, your dermatologist will write a prescription if it is adequate and safe for you. Consultation price is $59 and prescription refills are only $39.

Need a ketoconazole 2% shampoo prescription?

Consult a dermatologist

Average online dermatologist response time from April–June 2026: 14.4 hours

Where to buy Nizoral ketoconazole 2% shampoo online?

Your dermatologist can issue a prescription to any pharmacy in the country. If you wish a customized shampoo for your dandruff or hair loss, select Foothills as your preferred pharmacy. Generic ketoconazole 2% is priced at $18 for 120 ml bottle. Customized shampoo formulas are priced $49 for 120 ml.

FAQ about Nizoral (ketoconazole) 2% shampoo

Dr. Carolina Fernandez, dermatologist, answers common questions people often have about Nizoral 2% shampoo

Can Nizoral ketoconazole 2% 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.

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

Dr. Fernandez 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 your dermatologist. 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 2% 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. Nizoral 2% 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.

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%

Is there a generic ketoconazole 2% shampoo?

Yes, ketoconazole 2% shampoo is available in generic form with a prescription. The generic version contains the same active ingredient and strength as brand-name options and is commonly prescribed to treat dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and certain scalp fungal conditions.