
Ketoconazole 2% Shampoo
Contains the active ingredient ketoconazole
Anti-fungal, anti-yeast medication to treat scalp conditions including dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis
Supports hair growth
Balances scalp oil production
- Fast, discreet delivery
- 100% UK-based pharmacy
- Free advice and support
- We're rated 4.9 out of 5
Based on over 24,000 reviews collected on Google and Reviews.io.

Ketoconazole Shampoo Scalp Treatment - Available Online
Scaly scalp conditions like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis can be a source of embarrassment and irritation. As well as being itchy and leaving visible white flakes on your clothes they can also, if you scratch enough, cause damage to hair follicles which could result in hair loss.
With anti-fungal and anti-yeast properties, Ketoconazole therapeutic shampoo kills damaging fungi to treat and prevent multiple infections that cause an itchy and flaky scalp. By balancing scalp oil production and easing irritation it can promote the growth of healthy hair, with most people experiencing a visible improvement in their scalp condition within two to three weeks.
Alternatively, you may prefer to use Ketoconazole therapeutic shampoo every few weeks in order to prevent scalp fungal infections, or to stop them from coming back.
About Ketoconazole Therapeutic Shampoo
Ketoconazole therapeutic shampoo is a medicated shampoo designed to treat and prevent conditions like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Prescription Ketoconazole shampoo can be used to treat pityriasis versicolor. It does this by killing the yeast and fungi that cause these conditions.
The active ingredient is Ketoconazole (2%). As well as being an antifungal, it also helps promote healthy hair growth. It should be used twice a week for two to four weeks to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis or once every one or two weeks to stop them from returning. For pityriasis versicolor, use once per day for up to five days to alleviate the condition.
This active ingredient is present in other medicated shampoos including Nizoral and Daktarin Gold cream, both of which are available from us at The Independent Pharmacy.
How Does Ketoconazole Shampoo Work?
The active ingredient is Ketoconazole. This has anti-fungal and anti-yeast properties, killing the source of the infection. It also has properties that help to support healthy hair growth.
In most cases, people start to see results within two or three weeks.
How To Use Ketoconazole Shampoo
To use Ketoconazole Shampoo, first thoroughly wet the scalp and hair with water. Apply enough Ketoconazole Therapeutic Shampoo to work into enough lather to cover the scalp and hair. Leave for three-to-five minutes while the shampoo gets to work before rinsing off thoroughly.
Repeat this twice a week for two to four weeks if you have dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. After this time, you may continue to use it once per week to keep scalp infections at bay.
If you have pityriasis versicolor, use the shampoo once per day for up to five days.
Ingredients
The active ingredient of this shampoo is the antifungal ketoconazole (2%).
Other inactive ingredients include sodium laureth sulfate paste, disodium disodium laureth sulfosuccinate liquid, sodium chloride, citric acid monohydrate, benzyl alcohol, tetrasodium EDTA, quaternium-15, polyquaternium-7, dexpanthenol, laureth-2, sodium hydroxide, erythrozine (E127), perfume and purified water.
Side Effects
Like any medication, this medicated shampoo has some risk of side effects, although not everyone will experience them.
Side effects of Ketoconazole shampoo are generally uncommon, affecting around one in 100 people. They include dry skin, rashes or a burning sensation as well as changes to how your hair looks or feels. Some may experience hair loss or thinning, or infection of their hair roots.
Rarer side effects affecting one in 1,000 people include flaking skin, eye irritation, acne and an impaired sense of taste.
If you are concerned about any side effects you experience, stop using this shampoo and get in touch with a member of our clinical team who will advise you further.
Warnings
Avoid getting Ketoconazole shampoo in your eyes. If this happens, rinse your eyes thoroughly with cold water.
In some rare cases, people may experience allergic reactions including severe reddening, irritation or blistering of the skin. If these occur, stop using and contact our clinical team who will be able to advise you further. Do not use this shampoo if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this shampoo.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience severe allergic reactions such as swelling of your face, lips, tongue, mouth or throat that make it difficult to breathe.
While Ketoconazole is generally considered safe to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a member of our clinical team before using this product if you are breastfeeding, pregnant or expect to become pregnant in the near future.
What Conditions Can Ketoconazole Shampoo Treat?
Ketoconazole Shampoo can treat fungal and yeast infections that cause dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. As well as being an antifungal, the active ingredient Ketoconazole also supports the growth of healthy hair.
With a prescription, Ketoconazole shampoo is also used to treat pityriasis versicolor (small scaly darker or lighter patches on your scalp).
How Often Should I Use Ketoconazole Shampoo?
For flaky scalp conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, use Ketoconazole Shampoo twice per week for two to four weeks. You can also use it once every one or two weeks after symptoms have cleared to keep infections away.
For pityriasis versicolor, use once per day for five days.
Can I Use Ketoconazole Shampoo On Dyed Hair?
Yes, Ketoconazole Shampoo is generally safe to use on dyed hair without significantly fading or damaging its colour. In some rare cases, people may experience discolouration (especially with lighter hair colours). However, this is usually only temporary.
How Quickly Will My Dandruff Go?
In most cases of dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, Ketoconazole Shampoo starts to show noticeable results within two or three weeks. It's important to keep using this shampoo twice per week for two to four weeks, even if you start to see results earlier than this. Failure to do this could cause your skin condition to return.
Using Ketoconazole Shampoo once a week after symptoms have disappeared can prevent them from coming back.
Can I Use Other Hair Products With It?
Ketoconazole Shampoo treats the scalp itself rather than the hair on it. As such, it is generally safe to use other hair products such as shampoos and conditioners on days when you are not using the shampoo. However, you should avoid haircare treatments that use harsh chemicals like perms, relaxers or colourings while using this shampoo.
Is It Suitable For Sensitive Scalps?
Because of its gentle formulation, Ketoconazole therapeutic shampoo is safe to use for most skin types. However, it may cause irritation for those with sensitive scalps or existing skin conditions.
Speak to a member of our clinical team if you are worried about the effects of Ketoconazole shampoo on your scalp.
How Does It Compare To Coal Tar Shampoos?
Coal Tar Shampoos like Neutrogena or Psoriderm are also used to treat scaly, red or irritated scalps. However, coal tar works in a different way from Ketoconazole. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and slows down the production of new skin cells.
Ketoconazole shampoo, on the other hand, has antifungal and anti-yeast properties, targeting the infections that are the source of irritation.
Can I Use Hair Conditioner With Ketoconazole Shampoo?
While it is safe to use your regular hair conditioner alongside Ketoconazole shampoo, you should do this on days when you are not using the shampoo, and apply to the hair ends rather than directly to your scalp. This will reduce the risk of the Ketoconazole being washed off your scalp.
What If My Condition Doesn't Improve?
In most cases, people with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis experience an improvement in their symptoms within two or three weeks. However, it's recommended that you keep using it for two to four weeks.
If your symptoms persist for longer than this, get in touch with our clinical team. They will be able to advise you on alternative treatments.
How Do I Buy Ketoconazole Therapeutic Shampoo Online?
It's quick, easy and secure to get Ketoconazole Therapeutic Shampoo online with The Independent Pharmacy. If you are using it for conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, there is no need for a consultation.
The Independent Pharmacy is a trusted and 100% UK-based company. Our team is always available to provide advice and support. If you have a question about Ketoconazole Therapeutic Shampoo or any of our other products, contact us today.
Related Treatments
Visit our Dry Scalp page for treatments, advice and FAQs.
Ordering as easy as 1, 2, 3
1. Find the ideal treatment
2. Get a free consultation
3. Enjoy speedy delivery