Side Effects of Nizoral Shampoo

Nizoral shampoo is an anti-fungal shampoo that is commonly used in the treatment of dandruff and seborrhea dermatitis. Nizoral is known by its generic name of ketoconazole and is often prescribed by a health care professional in the treatment of an infection that is caused by a fungus or a yeast infection of the scalp. Nizoral works by preventing the fungus from actually continuing to grow.

Ketoconazole

Nizoral is an anti-fungal medicated shampoo that prevents the growth of several types of fungi by preventing the production of the membranes that surround the cells. The active ingredient in Nizoral shampoo, ketoconazole, is quite often found in creams and gels, and even tablet form, to fight other types of fungal infections such as ringworm, and dermatitis that may crop up on a person's body; not just on the scalp area.

Side Effects

The side effects of using Nizoral shampoo are very few, but there are some. For one, Nizoral shampoo may cause the hair texture to become abnormal and the hair may actually change the way it feels and looks. The scalp may also be affected, becoming covered with pustules, or pimples. Dryness of the skin on the scalp and it could itchy. Rashes and a tingling sensation could result as well. There could also be some oiliness of the hair and scalp after using Nizoral shampoo.

Worse Side Effects

Hair loss has resulted in Nizoral usage in rare cases. People have also reported having headaches after using Nizoral. Combining certain medications can result in an allergic reaction, so people who have allergies to certain foods, dyes, preservatives or animals should tell their health-care professional before using Nizoral.

Warnings

Nursing mothers should avoid using Nizoral shampoo because of the chemicals it contains. They could possibility cross over to the baby through the breast milk. Pregnant women should also use caution when using this shampoo and consult with their health-care professional before using it. The medication in Nizoral could cross through the placenta and present a harmful risk to the fetus.

Permed Hair

Besides the possibility of causing hair loss, Nizoral shampoo can cause the curl to come out of the permanent wave in the hair. Once again, it is best to seek the advice of a health-care provider before using this product.

Follow Directions

Nizoral can be used twice a week for four weeks. It is wise to follow the directions on the bottle and follow the instructions given by your health-care professional to get rid of the fungal infection. Sometimes Nizoral shampoo is prescribed to be used for up to eight weeks.

Once the health-care professional has deemed that the dandruff or the seborrhea dermatitis has cleared up, a good preventative measure it to utilize Nizoral or a good dandruff shampoo once a week to keep dandruff, and the fungus, at bay.