Ketoconazole is a medication used to treat fungal infections, although there’s some evidence it may also help with pattern hair loss.
Ketoconazole
*image for illustrative purpose only
Ketoconazole
*image for illustrative purpose only
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that comes in many different products and forms and can be used to treat various fungal infections, including those on the skin.
It is also thought that ketoconazole can block the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), making it potentially effective for addressing male and female pattern hair loss, although it is not FDA-approved for this purpose.
Ketoconazole is the active ingredient in several medications. It can be taken orally to treat widespread fungal infections or applied directly to the skin as a shampoo, cream, or foam. When used topically, ketoconazole can cause skin reactions such as itching, stinging, and dryness.
The information below is specifically about Nizoral®, an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains 1% ketoconazole.
Controls flaking, scaling and itching associated with dandruff
Imidazole antifungal
Stop use and ask a doctor if:
Rash appears
Condition worsens or does not improve in 2–4 weeks
The cost of ketoconazole may vary depending on factors such as your insurance plan, the form of the medication, the quantity, and where you buy it.
Lower-strength topical ketoconazole and ketoconazole shampoo are available without a prescription from many pharmacies and online retailers, while higher-strength versions of the medication require a prescription. The average retail price of over-the-counter ketoconazole is about $30, but coupons or discount cards may be available to reduce the price. Without insurance, prescription-strength ketoconazole may cost about $90, but again, coupons may help lower the price.
Hims can connect you with a provider who will determine, based on your symptoms and medical history, if a prescription for Hair Loss Spray containing the active ingredient ketoconazole is a good fit. The spray blends ketoconazole with other hair-regrowth active ingredients (finasteride, minoxidil, and biotin) and costs $39 per month.
Do not use on scalp that is broken or inflamed
Do not use if you are allergic to ingredients in this product
For external use only
When using this product, avoid contact with eyes. If product gets into eyes, rinse thoroughly with water
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Ask a doctor before use
The FDA has not approved ketoconazole as a hair loss treatment, but there’s some evidence that ketoconazole shampoo may help with hair loss, especially if you experience hair shedding due to a fungal infection. Ketoconazole has also been linked to hair growth, and some older research suggests it affects the hormone dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which is responsible for male pattern baldness. More research is needed in this area, though.
Hair loss is not a common side effect of ketoconazole shampoo, but it may be possible in rare cases.
Shampoos containing ketoconazole are available both over-the-counter and by prescription from a provider. Typically, higher-strength products require a prescription.
No, ketoconazole is an antifungal medication, not a steroid. However, it is sometimes prescribed along with a steroid in order to treat certain skin conditions.
*This information is from the Nizoral® shampoo label used by Kramer Laboratories. See the full label for more complete information. Ketoconazole, the active ingredient in Nizoral, may be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient ketoconazole.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.
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