Boots Anti-Dandruff Ketoconazole 2% w/w Shampoo
This medicine is available without prescription to treat and prevent dandruff. However, you still need to use it carefully to get the best results from it.
- Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again
- Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice
- You must contact a pharmacist or doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment
This medicine contains Ketoconazole which belongs to a group of medicines called anti-fungals, which act to treat fungal infections.
It can be used to treat and prevent dandruff, which you may notice as visible flaking of dry skin from the scalp.
Dandruff is associated with the presence of a yeast (fungus) called Pityrosporum Ovale. This yeast lives naturally on the skin of everyone, but people with dandruff appear to have more than usual. Ketoconazole works by destroying the yeast associated with dandruff.
This medicine can be used by adults and adolescents. However, some people should not use this medicine or should seek the advice of their pharmacist or doctor first.
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients
- If you are using a steroid product (e.g. betamethasone or hydrocortisone) on your scalp (see “Other important information”)
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Avoid contact with the eyes.
If shampoo accidentally comes into contact with the eyes use cold water to gently bathe the eyes.
If you are using a steroid product on your scalp, when you stop using the steroid product your dandruff may worsen. Reducing the steroid over a period of 2 to 3 weeks whilst using the shampoo will reduce the chance of the dandruff becoming worse.
- Benzyl alcohol – This medicine contains 5.00 mg benzyl alcohol in each gram which is equivalent to 0.50% w/w. Benzyl alcohol may cause allergic reactions and mild local irritation.
Shake the bottle well before use.
Adults and adolescents: Wet hair and scalp and apply enough shampoo to cover the scalp and produce a foam (lather). Leave for 3-5 minutes before rinsing. Use twice a week, at least three days apart, for the first 2 to 4 weeks.
After 2 to 4 weeks you can use the shampoo once every 1 to 2 weeks to keep dandruff under control.
For use on the hair and scalp only.
Do not use more than the amount recommended above.
If your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
If symptoms do not go away within 4 weeks talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
If you accidentally swallow some of the shampoo: Swallowing this shampoo is normally harmless. Talk to a doctor if you are concerned and take this shampoo with you. Do not make yourself sick.
Most people will not have problems, but some may get some, which are usually mild.
If you get any of these serious side effects, stop using the shampoo. See a doctor at once:
- Difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, neck, tongue or throat (severe allergic reactions)
If you get any of the following side effects see your pharmacist or doctor:
Uncommon side effects (less than 1 in every 100 people are affected):
- (Localised reactions including redness, irritation and itching of the skin
- Dry skin, skin rash or a burning sensation of the skin
- Swelling of the hair follicles, hair loss or changes in the hair texture
- An increase in tear production
Rare side effects (less than 1 in every 1000 people are affected):
- Changes in taste of food
- Eye irritation
- Other skin reactions such as flaky skin, acne, contact dermatitis (redness and swelling of the skin)
- Other localised allergic reactions including small blisters on the surface of your skin
Other side effects (It is unknown how often these may occur):
- Changes in hair colour
- Raised, red itchy skin (symptoms of urticaria, which is often known as hives or nettle rash)
If any side effect becomes severe, or you notice any side effect not listed here, please tell your pharmacist or doctor.
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original container. Keep the container tightly closed.
Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard.
Use by the date on the end flap of the carton.
Each gram of shampoo contains Ketoconazole 20 mg, which is the active ingredient.
As well as the active ingredient, the shampoo also contains sodium laureth sulfate paste, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, sodium chloride, citric acid monohydrate, benzyl alcohol, tetrasodium EDTA, imidurea, polyquaternium-7, dexpanthenol, laureth-2, sodium hydroxide, erythrosine (E127) and purified water.
The pack contains 60 ml or 100 ml of clear, pink to red/orange, thick shampoo.
Manufactured for
The Boots Company PLC
Nottingham
NG2 3AA
by the Marketing Authorisation holder
Pinewood Laboratories Ltd.
Ballymacarbry Clonmel Co.
Tipperary
Ireland
Leaflet prepared May 2021
If you would like any further information about this medicine, please contact
The Boots Company PLC
Nottingham
NG2 3AA
Other formats
To request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge:
0800 198 5000 (UK only)
Please be ready to give the following information:
Product name: Boots Anti-Dandruff Ketoconazole 2% w/w Shampoo
Reference number: 04917/0063
This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.
Artwork reference: 23LF01750PW