Ketoconazole + Zinc Pyrithione

Dosage Forms Available

• Ketoconazole + Zinc Pyrithione is available as a shampoo for external use. The strength of both ingredients may vary between products.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• This shampoo may be used in adults and children depending on the specific product and the child's age. Children should use it only as advised by a doctor.
• The amount of shampoo, application frequency, and time it should remain on the scalp depend on the specific product and the doctor's advice. It is generally applied to wet hair and scalp, left for a few minutes, and then rinsed thoroughly.
• Do not use more than the recommended amount or more frequently than advised.

Contraindications

• Do not use Ketoconazole + Zinc Pyrithione if you are allergic to ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, or any other ingredient in the shampoo.
• Do not use it on broken or severely inflamed scalp skin. Consult a doctor if there are open wounds, severe swelling, pus, bleeding, or severe irritation.

Medications to Avoid with This Drug

• Since this is a topical shampoo, interactions with medicines taken by mouth are unlikely.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using another medicine, medicated shampoo, lotion, or other treatment on the scalp.
• If a steroid medicine has been used regularly for scalp inflammation or itching, do not stop it suddenly without medical advice. Your doctor can advise whether it should be continued, reduced, or stopped.

Overdose and Missed Dose

• This medicine is for external use only. Using more than recommended may increase scalp dryness, redness, or irritation. Rinse the scalp thoroughly with water if excessive amounts are applied.
• If the shampoo is accidentally swallowed, seek medical advice promptly. Do not induce vomiting unless advised by a healthcare professional.
• If the shampoo gets into the eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water. Seek medical advice if irritation persists.
• If an application is missed, use it when remembered. If the next application is due soon, skip the missed application and continue with the regular schedule. Do not apply extra shampoo to make up for a missed application.

Management of Side Effects

• For mild itching, redness, or irritation, rinse the shampoo thoroughly with water. Stop using it and consult your doctor if the symptoms persist or worsen.
• Avoid scratching the scalp, as this may damage the skin and increase the risk of infection.
• Stop using the shampoo and seek immediate medical attention if severe swelling, widespread rash, or difficulty breathing occurs.

Use in Driving And Operating Machinery

• Ketoconazole + Zinc Pyrithione shampoo is not expected to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Consult your doctor before using Ketoconazole + Zinc Pyrithione during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Topical ketoconazole is minimally absorbed when used as a shampoo, but product-specific recommendations should be followed.
• During breastfeeding, avoid applying the shampoo to the breast or nipple area. If treatment of this area is necessary, consult your doctor first.

Caution in Other Conditions

• No specific dose adjustment is generally required for scalp use in people with kidney or liver disease, because systemic absorption from topical shampoo use is low. However, inform your doctor about any serious underlying illness.
• Consult your doctor before use if you have open wounds, severe inflammation, pus, or recurrent allergic skin reactions.
• Consult a doctor if the condition worsens or does not improve within 2–4 weeks, as dandruff-like symptoms may be caused by another skin condition.

Special Dietary & Lifestyle Recommendation

• Keep the scalp clean and avoid scratching it frequently.
• Avoid washing the hair with very hot water if it causes scalp irritation.
• Avoid hair sprays, gels, and strongly fragranced hair products if they irritate the scalp.
• Do not use tea tree oil, other oils, or another medicated shampoo together without medical advice.
• Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and inside of the nose.