Nizoral shampoo - Ketoconazole 2% shampoo is used to treat ``sun fungus'' (tinea versicolor; pityriasis versicolor).

Nizoral Shampoo
Category
Antifungal, topical

Description
Ketoconazole (kee-toe-KOE-na-zole) is used to treat infections caused by a fungus or yeast. It works by killing the fungus or yeast or preventing its growth.
Ketoconazole 1% shampoo is used to treat dandruff.
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo is used to treat ``sun fungus'' (tinea versicolor; pityriasis versicolor).
This medicine may also be used for other fungus infections of the skin as determined by your doctor.
Ketoconazole is available without a doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
Topical
Shampoo (1%) (U.S.)
Ketoconazole is available in the following dosage forms:
Topical
Cream (U.S. and Canada)
Shampoo (2%) (U.S. and Canada)

Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For topical ketoconazole, the following should be considered:

Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to ketoconazole, miconazole or other imidazoles, or sulfites. The cream form of ketoconazole contains sulfites. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.

Pregnancy--Ketoconazole has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that ketoconazole causes birth defects or other problems. Before using this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding--It is not known whether topical ketoconazole, used on a regular basis, is absorbed into the mother's body enough to pass into the breast milk. However, the cream was not absorbed through the skin after a single dose was applied to the chest, back, and arms of volunteers. Also, the shampoo was not absorbed through the skin after frequent shampooing by volunteers. Therefore, it is unlikely to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children--Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of this medicine in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults--Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of topical ketoconazole in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are using any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Proper Use of This Medicine
Keep this medicine away from the eyes .

For patients using the 1% shampoo form of this medicine:

Wet your hair and scalp well with water.
Apply enough shampoo to work up a good lather and gently massage it over your entire scalp.
Rinse your hair and scalp with warm water.
Repeat application.
Rinse your hair and scalp well with warm water, and dry your hair.

For patients using the 2% shampoo form of this medicine:

Wet your hair and scalp well with water.
Apply the shampoo to the skin of the affected area and a wide margin surrounding this area.
Work up a good lather and leave it in place for 5 minutes.
Rinse your hair and scalp well with warm water, and dry your hair.

Dosing--The dose of topical ketoconazole will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of topical ketoconazole. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of doses you use each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you use the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using topical ketoconazole .
1% shampoo dosage form:
For dandruff:
Adults--Use every 3 or 4 days for up to 8 weeks. Then use only as needed to keep dandruff under control.
Children--Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For 2% shampoo dosage form:
For pityriasis versicolor:
Adults--Use once.
Children--Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose--If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage--To store this medicine:
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store away from heat and direct light.
Keep the medicine from freezing.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
If your skin problem does not improve within:

Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common--For cream or shampoo
Itching, stinging, or irritation not present before use of this medicine
Rare--For cream
Skin rash
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Less common--For shampoo
Dry skin; dryness or oiliness of the hair and scalp
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor